What Next For Rafa Benitez?

by/ 05 January 2016, 11:09

Rafa Benitez has every right to feel a tad aggrieved following Real Madrid's decision to stay true to their trigger-happy nature and boot him out of the Bernabeu. The Spaniard lost just three of his 25 matches in charge of Los Blancos, winning seven of his final nine fixtures, which included a titanic 10-2 thrashing of Rayo Vallecano - just a fortnight before his departure.

To many Benitez was doomed from the start, but now he must face up to life back in the Job Centre, where he joins the likes of Jose Mourinho, Brendan Rodgers, David Moyes, and ...Alan Curbishley....

Below we take a look at where the Spaniard could end up next:

All odds courtesy of Sky Bet.

Spain National Team @ 4/1

Spain manager Vicente del Bosque is set to leave his position in charge of the national team when his contract expires after Euro 2016. The veteran manager, 65, led La Roja to World Cup glory for the first time in their history, following that success up by retaining the country's European title in 2012. Spain spectacularly flopped at the 2014 World Cup, however they have high hopes of retaining their European Championship in France this summer (11/2).

If Del Bosque does draw the curtains on his managerial career, then Benitez may fancy leaping into the international arena for the first time, although this means that he'll have to wait until July, but at 4/1 could be worth a punt.

Valencia @ 5/1

Another summer option would be returning to Valencia, where he is absolutely adored - highlighted by the superb reception he received by the Mestalla faithful on Sunday, which proved to be his final match in charge of Real. Back at the start of the century Benitez famously led Los Che to their first top-flight title in 31 years, bagging another two years later, along with a UEFA Cup.

Gary Neville is currently the man at the helm of Valencia, but his contract is only up until the end of the season, and there are suggestions that he may opt to go elsewhere. If the Englishmen does decide to leave the Mestalla then Benitez will no doubt be heavily linked with a move back to his former employers, although he'll be fully aware that returning to an ex stomping ground doesn't always end well.

Atletico Madrid @ 9/1

Another La Liga vacancy that could well open up in the summer comes over in the Spanish capital at Atletico Madrid. Rumours are rife that boss Diego Simeone could be set to jet off to the Premier League - with Chelsea his most likely destination - although this depends on a number of factors.

However, if Simeone does decide to depart the Vicente Calderon then Benitez would no doubt be a controversial appointment, given that he's only just managed the club's fierce rivals Real Madrid, making a move unlikely, but not out of the question.

Premier League

Benitez may decide to venture back to England. The 55-year-old enjoyed great success at Liverpool, winning the Champions League, FA Cup, Community Shield, and the Super Cup, before returning to these shores (albeit briefly) with Chelsea, with whom he led to UEFA Cup glory.

At the time of writing the betting shows that struggling Newcastle are the most likely Premier League option at 16/1, followed by Man City and Swansea at 25/1, a return to Chelsea is priced at 40/1, while Man Utd and Arsenal are whopping long shots at 66/1 and 80/1 respectively.