Coaching a national team could be a realistic option for me – Benitez

Former Liverpool manager Rafael Benítez has said he would consider taking on a national team role.

After a disastrous World Cup qualification campaign, Gennaro Gattuso resigned as Italy’s manager, leaving the four‑time world champions without a permanent head coach.

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“I am learning and improving my Italian. Jokes aside, coaching a national team in the future can be a real option for me,” he said.

“Preparing for a World Cup or a European Championship is a very fascinating challenge.”

When asked directly about the Italy job, he replied: “Me, coach of the Italian national team? I would do it with great pleasure.”

Rafael Benítez’s most notable achievements include winning the UEFA Champions League with Liverpool, the UEFA Europa League/UEFA Cup with Chelsea and Valencia, and two La Liga titles with Valencia. He is highly regarded for his tactical acumen in high‑stakes knockout football and for orchestrating remarkable turnarounds.

Benítez also has a strong background in Italian football, having managed Inter Milan and Napoli, where he secured the Coppa Italia and the Supercoppa Italiana.