Rafa Benitez's legacy in football has been one of unparalleled success. He was the first manager to win the Premier League with Manchester United, the second most successful manager to win the Champions League with Barcelona, and he was known for his tactical genius and defensive prowess. However, it is fair to say that his career was marked by a long and difficult period.
At the age of just 26, Rafa began his managerial career with Real Madrid. His first season as manager saw him leading them to a league title, but it was not enough to secure promotion back to the top flight. Despite this setback, Rafa continued to work hard and put in excellent performances, eventually securing a third-place finish and promotion to the Premier League.
However, it wasn't all success. Rafa's reputation suffered when the club's financial troubles led to the departure of several key players, including Carlos Tevez and David Villa. These departures left Rafa feeling vulnerable and uncertain about the future of his job.
Despite these challenges, Rafa remained committed to the cause and worked tirelessly to turn around Real Madrid's fortunes. He implemented a number of changes to improve the team's performance, including a new system of play and a more disciplined approach to training. His efforts paid off,Primeira Liga Hotspots and Real Madrid went on to win their first Champions League title since 1997, and they also won the Premier League title again in 2015.
However, it wasn't all smooth sailing. The pressure from the media and fans had a significant impact on Rafa's confidence, and he struggled to maintain control over his team during crucial moments. This led to some criticism from some fans who felt that he was losing his grip on the game.
Despite these challenges, Rafa remained determined to lead Real Madrid to victory and he continued to work tirelessly to improve the team's performance. He made several signings throughout the summer transfer window, including new signings such as Xabi Alonso, Nacho Monreal, and Alvaro Morata, and he also brought in new players such as Paul Pogba and Cristiano Ronaldo.
In the end, Rafa's work paid off. Real Madrid went on to win the Champions League and the Premier League title in successive seasons, and he himself became one of the most respected managers in European football history. He was widely regarded as one of the greatest managers of all time, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations of footballers to come.