Rafa Benitez was announced as Real Madrid’s next coach on Wednesday, in one of the sport’s worst kept secrets.

For weeks, even before the firing of Carlo Ancelotti, it was rumored that the former Napoli man would make his way to Madrid to coach the team. There were obviously some reservations from fans about Benitez taking over the superstar team, especially with his greatest successes coming years ago.

However, there is a lot to like about Benitez and reasons to believe that he will make Real Madrid a perennial contender for years to come. Here are some reasons to look forward to Benitez as Madrid’s helmer.

Rotation

It is no secret that throughout his tenure, Ancelotti had his favorites. Like everyone who plays favorites, he managed to polarize certain players, perhaps making the environment at Madrid a bit more contentious than anticipated.

He was known as a great ego manager, but he hurt some players, including Asier Illarramendi, by showing a lack of faith in their abilities.

However, his playing favorites also created another issue – fatigue. By using the same players over and over, Ancelotti wore his horses down, creating a situation in which the team peaked early and fell hard in the second half.

Benitez is known for rotating players and it is likely that this will not only allow him to rest many of his top guns for crucial moments late in the year, but will also give other players a chance to find their form, gain confidence and contribute in major ways.

Some will question how he manages Cristiano Ronaldo, a man who wants to play every night and score every game, but that will likely not be of concern for Benitez, who used to play Fernando Torres consistently when the two worked together at Chelsea. If he feels that Ronaldo can play every game, then it is likely he lets the superstar start. However, it is likely that Ronaldo will see himself subbed off more consistently in blowout matches. It might cost him a few goals, but it could win him a few more trophies. At this point, Ronaldo is unlikely to reject that opportunity.

Defense First

The last two Spanish League titles have gone to teams that conceded fewer than 30 goals. In the case of this year’s Barcelona, the team conceded 21 goals in 38 games. Real Madrid has conceded 30 or more goals in every season since 1994-95 when it allowed 29 goals. Its best defensive record since came in 2011-12 when the team conceded 32 goals and won Spain’s title.

This season Atletico Madrid also conceded fewer than 30 goals, making it obvious that teams know defense is crucial to winning titles. Madrid knows that to have any chance it needs to help itself in that department, particularly in high stakes games against top teams.

Benitez is known for making his players more defensively aware. It backfired in Napoli but that does not take away from his work in previous years. If he manages to implement this style of play, then Madrid should be better poised for winning more trophies.

Championship Pedigree

He might not seem like a revolutionary coach or even a transcendent one, but Benitez is a winner. He won La Liga with Valencia and the UEFA Cup in 2003-04. He won four trophies with Liverpool, including the 2004-05 Champions League. He was a winner in Milan. He managed a Europa League title in Chelsea. He even got Napoli the Coppa Italia in 2013-14.

He knows how to win and should be able to infuse that attitude in his team.