Benitez not ruling out Spain

Rafa Benitez has admitted he would be interested in becoming Spain boss at some point in the future, but he is staying focused on Chelsea at the current time.

Last Updated: 19/02/13 at 17:56 Post Comment

Rafa Benitez: Would consider taking charge of Spain at some point in the future

Rafa Benitez: Would consider taking charge of Spain at some point in the future

Current Spain manager Vicente del Bosque has steered the country to World Cup and European success, but has yet to confirm whether he will be staying on beyond Brazil 2014.

Benitez has been mentioned as a possible successor and he concedes it is a challenge that he would consider taking on if the post became vacant.

"I don't rule out becoming the Spain coach, if and when Vicente decides to leave," he said.

"It's something I would envision for further down the line, although to achieve that I have to continue in elite football and keep on doing well."

Benitez is convinced that Fernando Torres still has a lot to offer at international level, despite the Spaniard falling out of favour with Del Bosque following a difficult time at Chelsea.

"I think Fernando will return to the squad," said Benitez. "The decision is completely down to Vicente, of course, but I see the work Fernando does and I think he's coming back."

Benitez is in interim charge at Stamford Bridge on a deal until the end of the season and reports have suggested he could move on in the summer to Real Madrid, where Jose Mourinho's own future appears uncertain.

He would prefer to concentrate on the task at hand with Chelsea than get involved in such speculation, but concedes that it has been difficult to find consistency since taking charge and has pointed to their congested fixture list as a reason.

Asked about Real Madrid, Benitez told Radio Nacional de Espana: "I have a contract until the end of the season with Chelsea and I will do everything possible to help this club.

"Real Madrid also have a coach with an existing contract and that deserves respect.

"As a coach, you always have your heart and I went to Madrid when I was 13, but I do not want to get into that speculation because my words are not always interpreted."

Benitez added: "I am focused on having success with Chelsea. We are a team in transition and we are the team which has played the most games in all of Europe. You cannot do everything you want to do on a tactical level when you only have so much time."

Just to confirm to everyone, I'm not ruling out becoming prime minister, if and when Cameron decides to leave.
- fictionalemu

Related News

Sky Bet

    • Retrieving latest Sky Bet odds

Most Commented

Readers' Comments

R

afa Benitez has won more trophies (10) over the past 11 years than the rest of the current managers in the EPL combined, except for Alex Ferguson.

angry bird
Chelsea duo salute Benitez

T

he day Tonys hat goes missing for some bantz will be different story altogether..

TheBrestEver
Stoke probe 'banter gone wild'

I

m starting to think Roman may never actually be happy at the top level. If he wants all conquering fancy football I wonder if he'd be better off buying a lower division side then paying outlandish salaries to attract high caliber players too good for the division.

john matrix
The Most Unsatisfying European Victory...

Footer 365

Transfer News: Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert in talks to keep Christian Benteke

Paul Lambert is determined to keep Christian Benteke at Aston Villa next season despite interest from elsewhere.

Transfer news: Arsene Wenger to spend in summer to help Arsenal kick on

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has vowed to invest in new players and use this season as a springboard for success.

Wenger plans 'spending spree'

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has vowed to invest in new players and use this season as a springboard for success.

Mail Box

James Collins Is Only 29. Tough Paper Round

He is one of a number of solid shouts for players that look old before their time. We also have the final words on lovely D-Beck and a rejection of end of season playoffs...

Without Posh, Becks Could Have Been Scholes

That's one opinion, but others give their thanks to the man. We also have ideas for a relegation playoff, happy memories of the season and a defence of Liverpool's campaign...

© 2013 British Sky Broadcasting Ltd. All Rights Reserved