Former Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is considering a return to English football next season, a move that could put him in contention for the Manchester City job if Manuel Pellegrini is shown the exit door in the summer.
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Benitez is said to be mulling over whether he should sign a new deal at current club Napoli, however the Independent reports that this seems increasingly unlikely and his relationship with City director Txiki Bergiristain could make him an attractive preposition for the club.
The Spanish coach’s family have always remained on Merseyside during his spell in Serie A and therefore would make a return to England and the North-West in particular an irresistible opportunity.
It seems the 2-1 defeat to Crystal Palace may be the final nail in the coffin for current City boss Pellegrini with club bosses believing the side is going backwards under the Chilean.
The Independent say the club were prepared to allow Pellegrini to remain at City’s helm until the likes of Pep Guardiola, the club’s first choice, became available but the Palace defeat has ruled out any chance of patience.
The club do not think they will be able to get Guardiola until at least 2016 and therefore see Benitez, and his formidable club record in Europe as the best stop-gap.
Whilst City ultimately desire a manager who employs a possession, attacking philosophy like Pellegrini, the Independent say Benitez could argue tactical discipline is just as crucial as his record so clearly shows.
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