Rafael Benítez has managed Liverpool, Chelsea, Newcastle and Everton in the Premier League. Photo: Getty Images/Serena Taylor
Rafael Benítez is a Champions League miracle worker with a message for Chelsea fans: don't give up hope just yet.
Few people give Frank Lampard's team a chance to close the two gap the goal they carry on Tuesday' second leg against Real Madrid.
But Benítez, who managed both teams and led Liverpool as they came back 3-0 to beat Milan in the 2005 final, insists that the unthinkable Chelsea win can still happen.
«This is true. It is clear that the atmosphere at Stamford Bridge should be the key to Chelsea starting the game with intensity, pressing high and not letting Real Madrid handle the ball the way they know how,” says Benítez, who has managed the London club from November 2012 to May 2013.
“They also have quality players to play with and exploit any Real Madrid mistake. It's easy to say, the hardest thing to do.»
«It's a risky game, but Lampard knows
Lampard's second reign at Chelsea hasn't started yet, he hoped, given the defeats to Wolves and » Brighton on both sides of losing to Madrid in the first leg.
Benítez believes handing over keys to him before the end of the season is a «risk game» but one that can come off.
«It was a surprise to everyone [Lampard's reappointment] but he's been there for years and knows players. This is a risky game that we will be able to appreciate, as almost always, only at the end,” says Benitez.
“He has a great squad, he knows the Premier League. He knows that the players, staff and fans will give him more leeway than any other manager because he was a great player there. He can give them more peace of mind in the short term.»
Chelsea interim manager Frank Lampard watches his home defeat teams from Brighton. Photo: AP/Kirsty Wigglesworth
The hierarchies at Chelsea and Madrid have been on a relentless streak, as Lampard and Benitez know all too well, and neither club is willing to accept managers who perform below expectations. Over the past five years, Chelsea have had six different people at the helm, including Lampard twice, and four different managers at the Bernabéu. #39; his memories of his time in charge of west London and Madrid, although expectations were higher at one club than at the other.
“In terms of requirements to win, they are similar, perhaps Real Madrid have less competition in Spain than Chelsea in the Premier League and so they demand more from you in Madrid,” says Benítez. «But in terms of player management it's the same, they're all good and want to play, especially in those kinds of games.»
«It's not easy for Chelsea fans to forget my time at Liverpool
Benitez's spell at Stamford Bridge was quite edgy and the Europa League title at the end of the season was a moment of redemption. However, the 63-year-old is adamant that he enjoyed spending time at the club and that they treated him with great respect. Nevertheless, Chelsea fans were unlikely to welcome Benitez with open arms.
Benítez's stormy spell at the club has finally paid off: Chelsea won the Europa League. Photo: Getty Images/Michael Steele
“It's no secret that [Roman] Abramovich's Chelsea were the strongest team in the Premier League when I arrived at Liverpool,” recalls Benítez. “We competed against them and beat them in the Champions League a few times, those games were very intense and it's not easy for a fan to forget the emotional part. Fortunately, we have more than met our targets of qualifying directly for the Champions League and, on top of that, we have won the Europa League. I think everyone sees it as a success now.
“I have said this many times, we have always behaved like professionals and the club treated us very well, from the owner to the last employee. To be honest, we have very good memories of that time at Chelsea.
«I'm sure Liverpool will be back soon»
Benítez became the second person to manage Liverpool and Everton when he moved to Goodison Park two years ago. Merseyside teams have endured difficult seasons but the Spaniard remains confident that both can return to their former glory, especially Liverpool.
“It is difficult to maintain a very high level for a long time and even more so in England where there is competition, especially against Manchester City [Pep] Guardiola,” says Benítez.
“In other countries you have one or two opponents, in the Premier League you can lose to anyone and it affects you in other competitions. But I'm sure Liverpool will be back to win again soon.»
For Everton, a Premier League stay under Sean Dyche is far from guaranteed, but Benítez believes their fans can play again crucial in keeping them going.
“After my time there, they have invested a lot of money again and they have the team to get out of relegation. Fans were determined last year and they could be again this year,” says Benitez.
In addition to Chelsea, Liverpool and Everton, Benitez has also managed Newcastle and he really wants to replenish his account among English clubs. to five, despite turning down several recent offers.
“This season I had several opportunities, but the conditions that I consider necessary were not there, and I preferred to wait for another option,” says Benitez . .
«I also had offers from outside, but we always preferred the Premier League.»
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