Real Madrid News: Rafael Benitez Will Succeed at Bernabeu, Says Ex-Captain Raul Gonzales
Many football players and experts seem to agree that Rafael Benitez is the best choice to manage Spanish powerhouse Real Madrid, and former club captain, Raul Gonzales, is one of them.
The 55-year-old Spanish was named the next manager for Real Madrid early this month, following Carlo Ancelotti's termination as coach of the Los Blancos when his team failed to secure a trophy from a major tournament in the past season.
"It was Benitez's dream to manage Real Madrid," Gonzales told Spanish outlet Marca. "And his successes at the other teams he has managed have eventually brought him to Real Madrid, and he will certainly build a very competitive and winning team."
Not everyone was happy to see the Italian Ancelotti let go by Madrid. For some, Ancelotti did a good job and there's no need for him to be replaced.
But the ex-captain, who was a fan of Ancelotti, expressed his understanding why the manager had to be sacked.
"What happens at Real Madrid is that if they don't win a trophy, then something is missing," said the New York Cosmos striker. "The club has to make decisions and those decisions have to be backed."
Gonzales said that while he is grateful for what his former club achieved under Ancelotti, he is also excited to see what's in store for the team, this time, under Benitez's mentorship.
Even former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher believes Benitez has what it takes to make the Los Galacticos succeed in the next season.
"At every club he has been at he has won title," the English player said, in an interview with Spanish outlet AS. "At Napoli he won the Super Cup and Italian Cup, at Liverpool the Champions League. I think he won a couple of trophies at Inter."
Carragher said that the Spanish's record shows that he is capable of leading his team to victories wherever he is placed.
Real Madrid defender Roberto Carlos echoed the English player's sentiments.
"He's a good choice; he's a good coach and he knows the club inside out," Carlos said.
Benitez was a product of the Real Madrid academy during his younger years. He was also a coach for the team's under 19 and reserve team at the age of 26. After which, he became the assistant manager of the senior team under Vicente Del Bosque's leadership.
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