How will Rafa Benitez fare at Napoli? A closer look (Video)
He has endured one of the most difficult seasons since becoming a manager, despite leading Chelsea to European glory as they defeated Benfica in the Europa League final. The reason for this was the fans dislike of the ex-Liverpool manager and comments made about the club during those fiery Champions League clashes with Jose Mourinho many years ago. Although we often say that time is a healer, a section of Chelsea‘s supporters have certainly not forgotten the incidents from the past and spent all season making sure that the Spaniard was well aware that he was not wanted at Stamford Bridge.
The end was in sight well before the campaign came to a successful conclusion. In fact, right from the beginning we all knew that the appointment was only temporary, as the title of ‘interim manager’ was applied, much to Benitez’s anger. However, no sooner had he packed his bags and left Cobham training ground for the last time, he was pictured happily shaking hands with Aurelio de Laurentiis, the president of Napoli.
The Serie A side have just concluded a successful campaign of their own, finishing second in the table to winners Juventus and playing some quality football en route. Whether they can keep star striker Edinson Cavani remains to be seen, although this will surely be a priority upon arriving at the club.
Benitez had a mixed reception during his time at Inter, but it was never going to be easy to replace Jose Mourinho after he had led the team to a historic treble. An Italian Super Cup and the Club World Cup were won during his tenure at the black and blue side of Milan, but he failed to win over the fans and only lasted six months in the job. Will there be less pressure at Napoli or will their notorious fanbase turn on him if things don’t go well from the start?
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