Benitez lays out managerial plans following links to Celtic

Rafael Benitez has hinted at his future plans after recent links to the vacant managerial spot at Celtic.

The 60-year-old is currently out of a job after deciding to leave Dalian Professional earlier this year.

With the kind of CV he boasts there’s never any threat of Benitez being out of a job too long. However, given his pedigree, you’d have to imagine it would need to be the right kind of opportunity.

The dark horse?

Rafa was last seen on the European scene when he left Newcastle United after three years on Tyneside. Ever since then, neutrals have been eager to see him venture back over to the Premier League.

But instead of England, Benitez has instead been linked with a move further north, in Scotland. 

The Spaniard has been rumoured to be one of the desired choices to replace Neil Lennon at Celtic Park.

As per Onda Cero Valencia, the former Liverpool gaffer hasn’t decided where he’s going to end up next – but he does have a particular mission statement in mind.

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“I am realistic and there are not so many teams in the countries that you want to train, so you should look at long-term projects where they allow you to develop young people and make a team that is competitive at the same time,” Benitez said.

There’s no doubting the pull that Celtic has in terms of legacy, though whether that’s enough to attract someone with the kind reputation Benitez has, is all very much up in the air at the minute.

If you trust the bookies, it’s looking increasingly likely that John Kennedy, the club’s current interim manager, will eventually become the new permanent boss.

If that happens then it really is anyone’s guess as to what good old Rafa will do next.

Featured image credit: Getty