Rafael BenitezThe Master Coac FootballRafael "Rafa" Benítez Maudes (born 16 April 1960) is the manager of Liverpool Football Club. Born in Madrid, Benítez played football throughout his youth and joined the Real Madrid academy. He mixed his university studies with his football career at lower division Spanish teams. He joined Real Madrid's coaching staff at the age of 26, going on to work as the under 19 and reserve team coach, and assistant manager for the senior team. Benítez moved away from Real Madrid but management spells at Real Valladolid and Osasuna were short-lived and unsuccessful.
Benítez guided Segunda División side Extremadura back to the Primera División in his first season in 1997, but the team was relegated the following season. He left the club, taking a brief break from football before returning to coach Tenerife in 2000. Benítez was appointed coach of Valencia and he proved himself to be amongst the top Spanish managers by winning La Liga in the 2001–02 season—Don Balón and El País named him Manager of the Year. In 2004, another league title and a UEFA Cup victory were added. However, a disagreement between Benítez and the club director over team investment caused the Spaniard to switch to English Premier League outfit Liverpool.
Benítez was a high-achiever in his first season as he guided Liverpool to victory in the UEFA Champions League, the highest honour in European club football. In the following three seasons he won the FA Cup, amongst other honours, and reached the 2007 Champions League Final, but has remained unable to win the Premier League, with Liverpool's best performance under Benitez a second place finish in 2008-09.
Benítez guided Segunda División side Extremadura back to the Primera División in his first season in 1997, but the team was relegated the following season. He left the club, taking a brief break from football before returning to coach Tenerife in 2000. Benítez was appointed coach of Valencia and he proved himself to be amongst the top Spanish managers by winning La Liga in the 2001–02 season—Don Balón and El País named him Manager of the Year. In 2004, another league title and a UEFA Cup victory were added. However, a disagreement between Benítez and the club director over team investment caused the Spaniard to switch to English Premier League outfit Liverpool.
Benítez was a high-achiever in his first season as he guided Liverpool to victory in the UEFA Champions League, the highest honour in European club football. In the following three seasons he won the FA Cup, amongst other honours, and reached the 2007 Champions League Final, but has remained unable to win the Premier League, with Liverpool's best performance under Benitez a second place finish in 2008-09.
Personal information
Full name Rafael Benítez Maudes
Date of birth 16 April 1960 (1960-04-16) (age 49)
Place of birth Madrid, Spain
Height 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m)[1]
Playing position Midfielder
Club information
Current club Liverpool (manager)
Youth career
197?– Real Madrid Aficionados
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)†
1974–1981 Castilla CF 247 0(7)
1981–1985 AD Parla 124 0(8)
1985–1986 Linares CF 034 0(7)
Total 405 (22)
National team
1979–1981 Spain Universities XI 005 00(?)
Teams managed
1986–1989 Castilla Youth B
1989–1991 Real Madrid Youth B
1991–1993 Real Madrid U-19s
1993–1995 Real Madrid B
1995–1996 Real Valladolid
1996–1997 Osasuna
1997–1999 Extremadura
2000–2001 Tenerife
2001–2004 Valencia
2004– Liverpool
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