)
The former Liverpool manager insists he laid the groundwork for Real Madrid’s success in Europe in 2016.
Former Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has taken credit for Real Madrid’s Champions League success in 2016.
Real Madrid were crowned champions of Europe in 2016, the first of a three-peat success on the continent.
Los Blancos beat city rivals Atletico Madrid via a penalty shootout after both teams played out a 1-1 draw following 120 minutes of action at San Siro.
Zidane's unprecedented success at Real Madrid
Former France international Zinedine Zidane was Madrid’s coach in the clash, with the Frenchman going on to win two more Champions League titles in consecutive years.
However, Benitez says Zidane would not have won the first of three consecutive Champions League titles he won in Madrid if not for the work he did prior to the Frenchman’s arrival.
Benitez had been Real Madrid’s manager for the first half of the 2015/2016 season, but the Spanish tactician was dismissed in January after just 25 games.
)
Real Madrid wasted no time in appointing Zidane, whose only coaching experience at that time was as an assistant coach at the club.
Benitez says he laid the groundwork for Zidane's success
Zidane went on to win the Champions League in his first year, but Benitez is now taking credit for it despite his dismissal.
“That period was better than people think. I, and my assistants, still think that they didn't let us win,” Benitez told Marca.
“And I'll explain: when we left, we were qualified for the Champions League; the Copa del Rey exit was an administrative error; and in LaLiga Santander we were two points behind Barcelona with a game in hand. But then Real Madrid were 12 points behind after two months.
)
“In other words, Real Madrid took advantage of a team that had worked well with us and then in the end won the Champions League and it worked,” Benitez added.
Benitez would later go on to manage Newcastle, Dalian Professional and Everton after leaving Real Madrid.
The Spaniard is also a Champions League winner despite failing to win it at Real Madrid. Benitez was Liverpool’s coach when the Reds came back from three goals down to beat AC Milan on penalties in the 2005 final in Istanbul.
Related content
)
14:31 - 20.02.2023
UCL Benzema fit to face Liverpool but Kroos and Tchouameni miss out
Karim Benzema has been named in the Real Madrid team to face Liverpool in the Champions League
)
13:38 - 20.02.2023
LIGUE 1 'I’m glad he’s on my team now' - Sergio Ramos sings Messi's praises
Sergio Ramos is happy to enjoy Messi's Magic now that they are teammates
)
23:00 - 18.02.2023
LALIGA Real Madrid keep title hopes alive with win over Osasuna
Goals from Federico Valverde and Marco Asensio ensured Real Madrid got all three points against Osasuna.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)