Napoli appoint Rafael Benitez as new coach

Posted on May 28, 2013 by SoccerPunter

Italy Serie A club Napoli have appointed Rafael Benitez as new coach.

Napoli finished runners-up to Juventus in Italy Serie A 2012-2013.

The Spaniard has successfully led Chelsea to win the Europa League as well as secure qualification for next season’s Champions League.

Rafael Benitez has refused to commit his future to the club after Roman Abramovich named him as interim manager for Chelsea.

The 53-year-old Spaniard used to be the manager for Inter Milan before he was sacked after dismal results.

The departure of Rafael Benitez meant that Chelsea fans will witness the return of Jose Mourinho, whom will be leaving Real Madrid.

According to the Spanish press Benitez was to sign a two year contract with the option of extending it by a further year and an annual salary of 3.5 million euros.

His first job at Napoli will be to try and persuade fans favourite and leading scorer Edinson Cavani to stay.

The Uruguayan international, who topped the Serie A scoring charts with 29 last term, is one of the most sought after players in Europe with both Real Madrid and 2012 English champions Manchester City keen to secure his services.

City, who surrendered their title tamely to city rivals Manchester United last season, have offered money and Bosnian striker Edin Dzeko as payment for Cavani.

Benitez replaces Walter Mazzarri, who has been appointed coach of Inter Milan.

Ironically, Benitez’s last Italian adventure was at Inter but lasted only six months and ended just after having won the Club World Cup.

His team had struggled in the league and he had forced officials’ hands by telling them to strengthen his squad or find another solution, which they did.

Despite not always being popular with fans because of his reserved exterior he has a good record.

He won two Spanish titles and the Europa League with Valencia while he led Liverpool to Champions League success in 2005.