Monday, 24th June, 2013
Napoli coach Rafael Benitez is hoping to use his experience from the Spanish game to lure players to his club, even if a move for Real Madrid man Jose Callejon is looking uncertain at best.
Benitez spent several years of his coaching days at Real Madrid, working within both youth and senior ranks, before spells as manager in Real Valladolid, Osasuna, Tenerife and Valencia.
He used the experience to good effect when manager at Liverpool, with Fernando Torres arguably his best import to Anfield.
And the 53-year-old wants to make a similar raid on Spain as he prepares for the first of his two-years in Naples, and one of the names on his mind is Real Madrid’s Callejon.
relatedNewsStory
"Where do you find good football? In Spain", Benitez told AS. "From there we are seeking something that fits our needs.
"In Liverpool, the Spanish connection certainly obsessed me, but not in terms of the nationalities of good players."
With 30 La Liga appearances this season and three goals, Callejon has caught Benitez’s eye, but the coach insists Los Blancos may have a change of heart with the appointment of a new manager.
Carlo Ancelotti is expected to make his way over from PSG, and Benitez remains hopeful that the Italian will allow Callejon to seek Serie A experience.
"[Callejon] is an interesting player, but in Madrid we still do not know who they have for sale or who they are going to sign. You will need to get the new coach to decide what to put on the market."
Like betting on football? You simply must check out Inside Bet!
