When Brendan Rodgers left Celtic in 2019, there was a lot of hype about Rafa Benitez becoming the next manager.
Ultimately the club would appoint Neil Lennon after the Scottish Cup Final before the Spaniard officially left Newcastle.
He also happened to take a money-spinning job in China on terms that Celtic could never compete with.
However, it’s a different landscape now than it was then. Benitez may want to be closer to home, closer to family and be willing to make financial sacrifices as a result.
Celtic can pay managers well, as evidenced by the decision to appoint Brendan Rodgers. In European terms, Rodgers was one of the best paid in the continent, outside of the cash-rich elite sides.
What Rafa Benitez said about Celtic in 2019
Benitez spoke about Celtic in 2019, when he took part in an Athletic Q+A.
Asked if there were any truth to the rumours that summer, he confirmed he had heard of interest, stating:
“I was aware of some interest but we didn’t have any official approach. I was still under contract at Newcastle so we couldn’t even consider this option.”
Again, the landscape has changed here. Benitez is now in a position to consider the option and Celtic are able to make an official approach.
I’m not completely naive. It could be difficult to attract the former Liverpool and Real Madrid manager to Celtic Park.
However, advances must be made and he should at least be forced to make a decision either way.
Celtic need ambition back in the dugout. Standards need to be raised at Lennoxtown. Fans need to be inspired.
Benitez is one of the managers available who could do all of that.
Get involved in the discussion on our forum.
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
