Rafa returns to Real as Benitez is named Madrid manager

La Liga giants Real Madrid have announced former Liverpool and Chelsea manager Rafa Benitez as their new head coach on a three-year deal, to replace Carlo Ancelotti in the dugout following a campaign that came and went without major trophies.

While the Italian was largely a success during his two-season spell in charge of Los Blancos, claiming the Champions League and Copa del Rey in 2013/14, he could not capture La Liga title. He did win the less prestigious Club World Cup and Super Cup earlier this season, though.

Rafa Benítez ya conoce las instalaciones en las que trabajará. #BienvenidoalRealMadrid pic.twitter.com/2SbvTULpUF

— Real Madrid C. F. (@realmadrid) June 3, 2015

In becoming Los Blancos boss on a three-year deal, Benitez becomes the first Spaniard to take the hotseat since Juande Ramos in 2008/09 and first born in Madrid since Mariano Garcia Remon just over a decade ago. The former Anfield boss is aware of the daunting challenge ahead of him at the Bernabeu, but is confident he can recapture silverware success in the Spanish capital.

“The team must be competitive, capable of reaching the end of the season with chance to win trophies,” Benitez said.

“The Champions League, La Liga and Copa del Rey are our objectives, as Madrid must win each game. Can we win it, sometimes yes, sometimes no, as this is football. But the idea is to try and win from the first game, that is what I inherited here, regardless of the competition.”

The 55-year-old has tasted success at almost every club he has been in charge of, starting at Real Madrid’s youth teams, after spending most of his playing career for their Castilla team, when he won the league and cup with the Under-19s.