Real Madrid legend Raul has said his former club made the right appointment in Rafa Benitez and believes the new boss will lead Los Blancos to much success.
Benitez was hired just days after Carlo Ancelotti was sacked for failing to lift La Liga or the Champions League. Many pundits felt it was harsh on the Italian, who was the man to lead the club to the much coveted 10th Champions League – La Decima – just 12 months before.
Speaking to reporters in New York, where the 38-year-old now plays for New York Cosmos, he said he was confident for the season ahead for the Santiago Bernabeu side.
“He was the coach that made me start in my first and only game with Real Madrid B against Palamos. He is a very passionate manager, methodical. He likes to have all the players ready and focused before playing.
“It was Benitez’s dream to coach Real Madrid and his successes with the different teams he managed got him there. He will surely create a very competitive and successful team, which is what we all want as Madrid fans.”
Having scored 323 goal in his career with Los Blancos – still a record, although likely to be beaten by Ronaldo this year – Raul said he hopes he can return to the club one day.
“Right now, it’s difficult for me to say. Right now, all these experiences are helping me see different things, are helping me figure out how I feel, and I think it is too soon to tell where my future will lie.
“If they ask me to be a manager, it is of course a possibility. If they ask me to be a technical director, why not? But I don’t have anything decided now. I hope to be here for some time, get my coaching licence, and I have many things I still want to accomplish, which involves playing. And the rest of time is, of course, dedicated to be with my family.”
D legend,my man,u talk well jo!Hala Madrid 4 life.