Tuesday, 31st May, 2011
Former Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez is making Atletico Madrid play the waiting game. The Spaniard had been contacted by the Rojiblancos about his availability, with the Vicente Calderon club keen to tempt the former Valencia coach back to La Liga.
However, Benitez still prefers to manage once again in the English Premier League.
With an eye on the situation at Aston Villa, where current boss Gerard Houllier is expected to depart in the next few days, Benitez could yet field a concrete offer from the Midlands club.
And should such an offer be forthcoming, then the 51-year-old will place this ahead of interest from his native country.
Benitez is well aware that he could walk into a potential firestorm at Atletico, with the amount of money to spend a potential issue and also the impending exit of Argentine striker Sergio Aguero hanging over the club.
Settled with his family on Merseyside, Benitez has been on record as stating his interest in returning to management in England, while his contacts in that country have hinted at a list of projects the Champions League-winning boss would mull over.
The Spaniard, with experience of the Premier League and an impeccable European record, would surely be an interesting proposition for Aston Villa owner Randy Lerner, while his name has also been mentioned in connection with the vacant Chelsea job – it is believed the Spaniard would consider working for the Stamford Bridge club.
Aston Villa though, should they move, remain in pole position to snare Benitez for next season.
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