Rafa Benitez expresses interest in Scotland manager position
Rafa Benitez has thrown his hat into the ring for the Scotland manager’s job, and it’s fair to say nobody saw this one coming, reports BritPanorama.
The Champions League-winning boss told talkSPORT he’s genuinely interested in taking the reins at Hampden Park following Steve Clarke’s departure. Benitez stated, “I was watching Scotland and I know some of the players. I think you did well to go there to the World Cup. They achieved what they could achieve. I don’t think that they could have achieved any more.”
The 66-year-old Spaniard, who has been without a club since leaving Panathinaikos in May, made it clear he fancies a crack at international management. “It’s always a challenge. So I am open to the challenge,” he added.
Clarke’s exit came as a real shock, especially given that he had just signed a fresh four-year contract only weeks before the tournament. The 62-year-old walked away within minutes of Scotland’s elimination being confirmed, leaving the Scottish Football Association (SFA) scrambling to find his successor.
Scotland’s World Cup journey was a mixed bag – they kicked things off with a 1-0 victory against Haiti but couldn’t build on it. Back-to-back losses to Morocco and Brazil meant they couldn’t sneak through as one of the best third-placed sides. It’s another tournament where Scotland have failed to make it past the group stage, and now the search is on ahead of Nations League action and Euro 2028 qualifying.
David Moyes is currently the bookies’ favourite for the role. The former Manchester United boss clearly has plenty of admirers north of the border. Yet, he is far from the only name in the frame – Falkirk manager John McGlynn and Millwall’s Alex Neil are both possibilities, alongside current Scotland coach Steven Naismith. Additionally, Roberto Martinez, who has previously managed both Belgium and Portugal at international level, is another candidate the SFA could consider.
One name that’s definitely off the table is Ange Postecoglou, who has now taken charge at Al-Nassr.
With a storied managerial career, including stints at Liverpool and Everton, Benitez’s candidacy raises questions about the future direction of Scotland’s football ambitions, perfectly highlighting how the quest for success often sees the most unexpected choices emerge. A manager’s past can sometimes offer the clearest indication of their potential, but only time will tell if this bold gamble pays off.
