Rafael Benitez

Rafael Benitez

16-Apr-1960


Spain


Football Coach

Benítez was named Valencia coach and won La Liga in the 2001-02 season. In 2004, another La Liga title and UEFA Cup victory were added to the foundation laid by Héctor Cúper who had taken Valencia to two consecutive Champions League finals; in 2000 against Real Madrid, and in 2001 against Bayern Munich. Benítez's father, Francisco, worked as a hotel manager. His mother is Rosario Maudes. Rosario was a big fan of football and supported Real Madrid, while his father supported Atlético Madrid. Francisco died in December 2005 while Benítez was in Japan at the FIFA Club World Championship. Rafael Benítez married Maria de Montserrat in 1998. They have two daughters, Claudia, born in Madrid in 1999, and Atagata, born in Valencia in 2002. Benítez speaks fluent Spanish, English, and Italian.

QUOTES BY Rafael Benitez


Napoli belongs to the city and to the fans. If this city sees the team reach the final, it will be a source of pride.

I would like to thank all Neapolitan fans for the affection and warmth that I have felt.

I am not hugely concerned about the amount of goals we score - it is the final results that are the difference.

You have to adapt to different teams and different players, but you have try to maintain your discipline and score goals.

I've worked with so many teams, so many dressing rooms.

I like to exchange ideas because we all want to win. If a footballer doesn't agree, then you try and have a chat to work things out.

Carlo Ancelotti is very competitive, but he does it with respect.

Luiz Felipe Scolari was a good professional, a nice person, someone you could talk with before and after games. He has a lot of experience and is a good manager.

As I see it, Seedorf and I are coaches who handle the concept of a more proactive game.

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