From the Bernabeu to Burton

As Rafa Benitez commits to managing Newcastle in the Championship, we look at how he’s gone from Real Madrid to England’s second tier in 12 months.

June

After winning the Coppa Italia in his first season in charge, Benitez’s two years at Napoli had ended in disappointing fashion in May 2015, with the team missing out on Champions League qualification on the final day of the Serie A campaign. However, despite the club’s fifth-place finish, speculation Benitez was set to be appointed by Real Madrid was rife.

On June 4, it was confirmed – Madrid-born Benitez, a former coach of Real’s youth and ‘B’ teams, was going back to the Bernabeu.

Benitez, a replacement for Carlo Ancelotti, said at his appointment: “It’s an emotional day, a very special one. I have worked very hard to achieve success and return home, which was an aim of mine. The cycle is completed but I hope it lasts a long time.

“The Champions League, La Liga and Copa del Rey are our objectives, as Madrid must win each game.”

July

Benitez began his Real Madrid tenure with globe-trotting friendlies in July. From Australia to China, comfortable wins over Manchester City and Inter Milan were sandwiched by goalless draws with Roma and AC Milan. However, the main focus was on how Benitez was attempting to fit Gareth Bale into a No 10 role, while keeping star man Cristiano Ronaldo happy.

Off the pitch, Benitez’s wife was making headlines after claiming her husband was, once again, clearing up Jose Mourinho’s mess at one of his former clubs. “If she takes care of her husband’s diet, she will have less time to speak about me,” retorted a less-than-impressed Mourinho.

August

August brought the start of the 2015/16 season – but a goalless draw at Sporting Gijon was far from an ideal beginning for Benitez. If he was in any doubt about how closely his every result would be scrutinised while in charge of Los Blancos, the media storm in Spain – slamming his defensive approach, despite Real’s 27 shots at goal – would have made the enormity of his task quite clear.

A 5-0 home win over Real Betis next time out silenced the critics… temporarily.  

September

Five games, four wins, 15 goals and only one conceded followed in September as Real’s La Liga and Champions League campaigns gathered pace – although Benitez was left bemoaning Real’s finishing after a 0-0 draw with Malaga.

“He’s the best …

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