Former Liverpool and Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez lined up for shock management return with league and cup champions

RAFA BENITEZ is being lined up for a return to management in a country he has never coached in before.

The former Liverpool and Newcastle boss has been out of work since leaving Celta Vigo in March 2024.

AP

Rafa Benitez is being lined up for a return to management with Brazilian side Botafogo[/caption]

According to the Daily Mail, Benitez is down to the final two candidates to manage Copa Libertadores champions Botafogo.

He is said to be in advanced talks with the Brazilian club – which is owned by Crystal Palace majority shareholder John Textor.

The job is still vacant after Artur Jorge left the club in December – since joining Qatari side Al Rayyan.

Benitez is believed to have impressed leading members of Botafogo’s hierarchy – leaving him in pole position to take the role.

Portuguese coach Vasco Matos and Argentine Tato Martino are also other contenders linked with the job.

Benitez made his name winning two LaLiga titles with Valencia in Spain.

He then joined Liverpool in 2004 – guiding them to a famous Champions League trophy that season.

Benitez left Liverpool with an FA Cup also to his name and later joined Inter Milan.

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He returned to England with Chelsea on an interim basis in 2012 – departing with a Europa League trophy.

Benitez had further stints with Napoli, Real Madrid, Newcastle, Dalian Pro in China, Everton and most recently Celta Vigo.

He was sacked by Celta Vigo after just five wins and 24 points from 28 matches in eight months.