Rafa Benitez was two hours away to become manager of PL side, before joining Real Madrid
Rafa Benitez was two hours away to become manager of West Ham, before joining Real Madrid, according to co-owner David Sullivan.
David Sullivan revealed that Hammers agreed deal with Rafa Benitez, and he was all set to become head coach of the club, but Real Madrid made late approach for former Liverpool boss, which he couldn’t refuse.
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The Spaniard, who was in the charge of Napoli in last campaign, decided not to sign contract extension with the Italian side after joining the club in 2013. Rafa Benitez turned down the offer of West Ham in the at the 11th hour, to agree three years deal with Real Madrid.
“We were two hours from getting Benitez and then Real Madrid came in. We had agreed a contract”, Sullivan told The Guardian
Rafa Benitez is under the immense pressure since taking the charge of Real Madrid, and on the verge of getting sacked after falling out with senior members of the squad, however David Sullivan believes Spaniard is top quality manager.
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He is a top manager whatever anybody says, and I think he’d have done a wonderful job for us.”
We tried Klopp as well but he wouldn’t come because he said he wanted a break. But I’m glad with the manager we have got,” added Sullivan.
Manuel Lanzini, who joined the Hammers on a season long loan, will sign permanent deal with the club according to co-owner.
“The contract we have is 100% watertight. We have until April to make it permanent but we’ll probably do it before the due date,” said Sullivan. “He is a fantastic player and a fantastic man. By February or March, he will be a permanent West Ham player,” added Sullivan.
He could be a top, top, top player. He’s already sensational and he could be as good as any player in the world.