‘Carlo can restore Madrid’s values’

Rafa Benitez has backed Carlo Ancelotti to ‘restore Real Madrid’s values’, as he once more expresses hope that Edinson Cavani will stay with Napoli.

Ancelotti has just been confirmed at the Santiago Bernabeu and for former Madrid B team Coach Benitez, it is the right appointment.

“I have a good relationship with him, from our time against each other in England and in the Champions League Finals between Liverpool and Milan [2005 and 2007],” reflected the former Valencia and Inter boss on Onda Cero.

“He is a correct person, educated, a good professional, he knows his job and does it well. He wins titles.

“He is a great Coach and a great person and in some way he will recover the values that Real Madrid have always had.”

Benitez was linked with Madrid himself, but agreed after an interim period at Chelsea to take over at Napoli.

“In football there are many things that you cannot rely on as certain, but Mourinho was coming to Chelsea and it was clear to me and to the players themselves. I had no contact with Madrid.

“Since the President Aurelio De Laurentiis came to Napoli, the team have risen from the third tier and within seven years have gotten into the Champions League.

“We have a dream, a team that is growing, trying to be great for the fans and the city that is behind it and perhaps that is what is helping this team achieve these great results.”

The 53-year-old, though, could find his work at the San Paolo made harder next season if Edinson Cavani does leave.

“We would be happy if Cavani is still with us and he is aware of the love and the value that he is held in on the team and in the city.

“If he is still with us then of course he will be a key player. And if he does not stay then it is because someone comes to pay his buyout clause or because they have made an irresistible offer and the player says he wants to go.

“Currently the player is playing in a competition [the Confederations Cup with Uruguay] and we have to leave him alone. There is nothing at all except the desire for him to continue with us.”

Tags Ancelotti Benitez Cavani Napoli
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