VDB: Benitez a good fit for Madrid

Spain Coach Vicente del Bosque has confessed that Rafa Benitez would be a “good” fit for the Real Madrid job, just days after keeping quiet on the topic.

The Napoli boss is all-but-certain to be named as Carlo Ancelotti’s successor at the Santiago Bernabeu next week, and the man in charge of La Roja believes his former club will benefit from the 55-year-old’s arrival.

“What [the fans] must do is refrain from booing [in the Copa del Rey between Barcelona and Athletic Bilbao],” he said at a promotional event on Friday.

“The national anthem is the hallmark of our country. In other countries, they don’t attack or trample on their flag and neither their anthem.

“Barcelona have the upper hand [being at home], but it’s a final and anything can happen. It’ll be a great and exciting final.

“I hope Barcelona win the Champions League. It would complete Spanish hegemony in Europe after Sevilla [had won the Europa League].

“[Rafa Benitez] would be a good solution [for Real Madrid]. He’s an accomplished Coach and would try to make Real Madrid better.

“For many years, he wanted to be a professional Coach, so he’s a good solution for Real Madrid.

“I have appreciation [for Carlo Ancelotti’s work]. I had a conversation with him and he did a great job at Real Madrid.

“He made tough decisions and always looked to do his best for the club.

“[Beating Belarus] would give us a big boost in our qualifying group. If we win then we should give everything in our last four games.

“Club competitions and the Spanish national team go hand in hand. We’re the current European champions and the clubs complement us.

“[Ernesto] Valverde and Luis Enrique are credits to Spanish football and represent us.

“There are also Coaches outside Spain that are doing very well. It’s great to have two Coaches in the Copa [del Rey] final. I’m pleased that Spanish Coaches are working at the highest level.

“We don’t know if [David de Gea] will play in Madrid. For now, he’ll be with us in the selection.

“The reality is that [Iker] Casillas and David de Gea are pushing each other hard. He’s done a great year in Manchester.

“I’m happy that [Sevilla] won the Europa League. Their achievements have been on merit. Sergio Rico’s had a great season and we hope to take advantage of this.”

Tags Belarus David De Gea Sergio Rico Spain Vicente Del Bosque
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