- He has been out of work for a year since leaving Celta Vigo in March 2024
- But now, he appears ready to make a return to the Premier League
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A former Liverpool manager says he is ‘waiting’ for a return to the Premier League after turning down a new job abroad.
The coach in question has been out of work for a year since leaving LaLiga outfit Celta Vigo in March 2024.
After just over six months in the job, he was sacked after winning just five games in 28 matches throughout his latest stint in Spain.
But now, he appears ready to make a return to the Premier League, where he had a successful spell as the man in charge of Liverpool.
Rafael Benitez coached the Reds from 2004 to 2010 – winning the club their fifth Champions League during his first season as he masterminded a comeback from 3-0 down on that historic against AC Milan in Istanbul.
He subsequently embarked on managerial stints at some of the biggest clubs in Europe, coaching the likes of Inter and Real Madrid before a return to England.
Rafa Benitez says he is ‘waiting for the Premier League ‘ after turning down a job at Brazilian side Botafogo last month
Benitez coached the Reds from 2004 to 2010 – winning the club their fifth Champions League during his first season as he masterminded a comeback from 3-0 down on that historic against AC Milan in Istanbul
Benitez was also in charge when Liverpool won the FA Cup a year later in 2006
The Spaniard also guided Chelsea to Europa League glory in 2013 – when he was employed on an interim basis.
While he did succeed in steering Newcastle back to the top flight after their relegation to the Championship in 2016, his time with Everton did not go so well.
After becoming only the second man to manage both Merseyside clubs since the 1890s, Benitez was sacked after just 22 games in charge and a paltry win percentage of 31.8%.
But Benitez, 64, has spoken of his aspirations to return to management in the top flight of English football.
He said: ‘[A deal with Botafogo] was very close. I had a very good conversation with the owner and also the director of football. They impressed me because they were very ambitious. But it was too far away.
‘Then you have to analyse all the details, and my family is here. I was very happy with the approach because I liked the way that they approached. Very professional. And the ideas were very good.
‘I have had a lot of offers during the year. But I was always waiting for the Premier League because it’s the league that I like. You have to choose the right opportunity and hopefully it will come soon.’
