Rafa Benitez reveals why he left Real Madrid following claims it was down to Cristiano Ronaldo
Rafael Benitez was sacked as Real Madrid manager in January 2016 after just seven months in charge, with reports at the time suggesting he had a fallout with Cristiano Ronaldo
Rafael Benitez has opened up about his departure from Real Madrid, insisting it was due to "internal issues" at the club rather than any conflict with Cristiano Ronaldo. The former Liverpool boss was ousted from Madrid in January 2016 after just seven months at the helm, amid speculation of player unrest and dissatisfaction with his tactical approach.
Despite rumours suggesting Ronaldo played a key role in his sacking, Benitez has dismissed such claims. "It's not true that I left Real Madrid because of Cristiano Ronaldo," he said.
"There was never any problem between us; he's a great player. Extraordinary. I left due to internal issues at the club, but nothing to do with Ronaldo."
Benitez took over as Los Blancos manager in June 2015 and was sacked with the team third in La Liga, trailing leaders Atlético Madrid by only four points. However, despite their position, the decision was made to terminate his contract.
Discontent among fans, who expressed their feelings with boos and jeers during a match against Real Sociedad, fuelled rumours of a rift with star player Ronaldo. Nonetheless, Benitez, speaking on Cadena SER radio station in February this year, clarified that his interactions with Ronaldo were solely focused on discussing tactics, reports the Mirror.
"The only comment I made to Ronaldo, as I knew him from United, is that we analysed how he took free-kicks," Benitez said. "It's my only conversation with him. Everything else is a lie."
Backing up Benitez's comments, Ronaldo himself confirmed to Football Espana in 2015 that he was content under Benitez's leadership at Real Madrid. "I feel good with [Benitez]," Ronaldo said. "I think he is doing a good job and should be allowed to continue like this."
Nevertheless, hinting at possible underlying tension, Benitez more recently praised his former Liverpool captain, Steven Gerrard, perhaps sending a subtle jab towards the Spanish capital.
"Steven [Gerrard] is the best player I have ever coached," Benitez stated on the Stick to Football podcast by Sky Bet. "In Madrid, I couldn't say that, but now I can. It was very clear he had everything."
Although Benitez's career boasts prestigious titles such as the European Cup, La Liga, Europa League, FA Cup, Coppa Italia, and the Championship, his managerial path has seen fluctuations.
Post-Liverpool, Benitez replaced Jose Mourinho at Inter Milan for a season before a Chelsea stint back in the UK. He then enjoyed time at Napoli prior to his tenure in Madrid.
After leading Newcastle back to the Premier League he departed two years later. Following roles in China, and a contentious spell at Everton, Benitez is currently out of work since exiting Celta Vigo in March.
"I have received offers from clubs in the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia," he said regarding his future. "I might return to coaching soon, perhaps even in China."