Rafa Benítez has a great chance of being hired by São Paulo to replace Thiago Carpini. The Spanish coach, champion of the 2005 Champions League with Liverpool, and runner-up in the world in the same year facing Tricolor, in Japan, is well regarded by the club’s board of directors and could arrive in Brazil at any time for his first work in the country. The information was initially published by journalist Gabriel Sá and confirmed by Gazeta Esportiva.
After the defeat to Flamengo, 2-1, this Wednesday, at Maracanã, for Brazilian championship, coach Thiago Carpini was under even more pressure in his position and could be fired at any time. São Paulo, however, is having difficulty finding a replacement.
There is currently no unanimity to take over the technical command of São Paulo. The board understands that all the coaches who would arrive at the club without much questioning are employed. It was already like this before Tricolor hired Thiago Carpini.
Rafa Benítez is a coach who has a respectable career, but he hasn’t had a major role in a long time. In addition to having lost two Club World Cups to Brazilians, in 2005, to São Paulo, and in 2012, to Corinthians, the Spanish coach was unable to continue in the last two teams he led: Everton, from England, and Celta of Vigo, Spain.
At Everton, Rafa Benítez coached James Rodríguez and was not very satisfied with the Colombian midfielder’s commitment to England, even shooting at him in an interview.
“James prefers money and a comfortable life to competition. He doesn’t work hard, but he hopes to be selected. It would be disrespectful to players who work hard and still have to be on the bench on game day,” said Benítez when he was still training Everton.
After achieving national and international prominence at Valencia, Rafa Benítez coached Liverpool, Inter Milan, Chelsea, Napoli, Real Madrid, Newcatle, Everton, Celta de Vido, as well as Dalian Yifang, from China.
In recent days, São Paulo’s top management met with some coaches to find out if they were interested in taking over the club, hearing from many of them that it would be impossible to accept an invitation now. Therefore, Tricolor is increasingly desperate to reach an agreement with a professional.
Participation in the Libertadores and the start of the Brazilian Championship are two reasons why São Paulo wants to sign a new coach as soon as possible. The club has the continental tournament as its top priority in 2024 and also knows that it cannot waver in the competition for points to avoid any risk of relegation.