Former Madrid and Liverpool Manager to Make Unexpected Return to La Liga

• Rafael Benitez has been out of coaching since his time at Everton
• The Spaniard's last time in La Liga was his unsuccessful stint at Real Madrid
• The former Liverpool man has caught the eyes of one of La Liga’s basement clubs

Rafael Benitez has been out of work since being let go by Everton, but it appears the former Real Madrid man is set to return to management.

Benitez is linked with a move to the Spanish La Liga for the first time since being sacked by Real Madrid.

As reported by Relevo, Benitez is in talks with Celta Vigo to become their new manager.

Celta Vigo are looking to replace the outgoing Carlos Carvalhal with a manager possessing a huge reputation, and Benitez certainly has a long and storied career. The Madrid outlet claims negotiations have quickened and could even be settled soon.

RadioMarca have claimed that the Galician side are also speaking to Marcelino Garcia Toral, while Albacete manager Ruben Albes and Andoni Iraola were linked too, before the latter was appointed by Bournemouth.

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Benitez would represent a rapid departure from the football that Celta have pursued in recent years. Carvalhal and Chacho Coudet have followed in a long line of coaches that prioritise pressing and opening teams, whereas Benitez has been far more conservative with his choices.

Benitez managerial journey

The former Liverpool gaffer’s managerial career started in Real Madrid where he was the B team manager between 1993 and 1994.

He then had top managerial stints at Spanish clubs; Real Valladolid, Extremadura, CD Tenerife and CA Osasuna between 1995 and 2000.

The former Napoli coach became a big name in football when he recorded remarkable success for Valencia in the earlier 2000s. After four title-laden years at the Mestalla, Benitez made the switch to Anfield where he won the UEFA Champions League in a remarkable fashion in 2005.

Since leaving Liverpool in 2010, Benitez has managed some of Europe’s biggest clubs including Real Madrid, Inter and Napoli.

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A return to his native land Spain appears the most suitable move for the 63-year-old manager.

Benitez speaks about coaching Madrid

Sports Brief earlier reported Rafael Benitez revealed he was not given a fair shot during his short stint as Real Madrid manager, as he opened up on his torrid time with the Spanish giants.

The veteran manager joined Los Blancos in the summer of 2015 but was sacked after just seven months in charge, following poor results on the pitch and many dressing room troubles.