17 February 2024 , 14:54
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Rafa Benitez has audaciously thrown his hat in the ring to replace Gareth Southgate as England manager.
The former Liverpool, Newcastle and Chelsea boss, 63, claims he has a "very good relationship" with some of Southgate's coaching staff and would eventually like to go into international management. Benitez, who's currently in charge of La Liga strugglers Celta Vigo, has laid out his ambitions ahead of what's set to be Southgate's final tournament in charge of the Three Lions, Euro 2024.
His contract expires this December, with the FA currently weighing up their options. In an interview with the Athletic, Benitez touted himself for the England job, despite his stock falling steadily in recent years.
Asked if he's interested in managing either the Three Lions or his home nation, Spain, the Champions League-winning boss replied: "That is always a dangerous question as there is a manager who is doing the job well. I even have friends on Southgate's staff. We have a very good relationship.
"But, thinking about the future, I'd like to have a national team capable of competing for trophies. I suffer a lot with defeats. When you are in a team which does not lose so often, you get used to competing to win things. So I would like to have a national team capable of achieving things - but again, all in the future."
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On his immediate ambitions, Benitez said: "First, to do a good job here so Celta can grow and gain stability, not to suffer every year. With structure and organisation, you can achieve a comfortable position in the table, then start to approach the European places.
"That would be the objective. Then, for the future, maybe international management, a chance to be at a World Cup or European Championship."
Your turn! Who should replace Gareth Southgate? Give us your pick in the comments section.
Gareth Southgate is out of contract in December (Getty Images)Southgate has been tight-lipped on his future, with how England fare at the Euros likely to be a deciding factor. Speaking at the Nations League draw, the 53-year-old admitted: "You've got to see how the summer goes - it's as simple as that.
"I know what we're capable of achieving. I know what my own benchmark of success would be and after that I'm not really thinking about anything else. My only focus is to try and win the tournament for England.
"We've got to deliver performance and you've got to make the best decisions for everybody. I won't be in a position to make that decision before the tournament. If we did anything before, it would be detrimental to the performance – whichever way your decision went."