Rafael Benitez has criticised Jose Mourinho’s Champions League record during his time with Real Madrid.
Marca reports that Benitez has told the official website of his current employers, Napoli, that Mourinho failed in Europe with Chelsea as well.
“Mourinho talks a lot about many people but I prefer to talk about facts,” Benitez said, in response to past Mourinho comments about Chelsea’s Europa League win under Benitez, Marca suggests.
“Mainly that Liverpool eliminated Chelsea from the Champions League with a team with half the budget than theirs.”
Benitez was referring to a game played in 2005, when Liverpool went on to win the trophy.
A goalless draw at Stamford preceded a 1-0 win for the Reds at Anfield before Liverpool beat Milan on penalties in the final.
Benitez was similarly unimpressed by Mourinho’s European performances on the Madrid bench.
“He had an extremely strong and expensive Real Madrid and left the club without winning the Champions League,” Benitez pointed out.
“In three years at Madrid he did nothing in Europe.”
Benitez concluded by hinting Mourinho needs vast amounts of money to be a success in continental competition.
“Maybe if Mourinho sells Eden Hazard and Oscar for €360m to build another team, he will succeed in something,” the ex-Valencia Coach said.
