Rafael Benitez says there was “a chance” he could have replaced Julen Lopetegui as Spain boss for their World Cup campaign. Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez has claimed he was in the running to take over as Spain coach for the World Cup.
Ex-Barcelona boss Luis Enrique has since been installed as head coach on a two-year contract, but it appears Benitez could have been given the opportunity to impress in the role. “There was maybe a chance,” Benitez told reporters. “But I am still [at Newcastle] and I am happy to be here.There was a chance. There were rumours about that.”
Though the move did not come to fruition, the 58-year-old remains receptive to the idea of coaching his country at a World Cup. “We will see. I still feel young, so I have plenty of time to do that,” he added. “Spain, I think, are a very good team and they will be better in the future.”
Benitez guided Newcastle to a 10th-place finish in the Premier League last season, having secured promotion back to the top flight as Championship winners in 2016-17.