Tuesday, 11th October, 2011

Rafael Benitez was offered the opportunity to take over as Schalke boss, but turned down the German club’s advances.

According to Spanish newspaper El Confidencial, the former Liverpool manager was sounded out by Schalke when Ralf Rangnick resigned recently and could have slipped into the Ruhr side’s dugout.

Benitez though is believed to have judged Schalke not to be serious contenders for silverware and the Spaniard is only prepared to return to the game to take charge of a club that matches his ambition.


The 51-year-old is keen to take a new position within the game, with a job in England his first choice, although any offers from his homeland of Spain will also be studied carefully.

Germany then, and Schalke specifically, was not on Benitez’ agenda.

The Gelsenkirchen-based club have since appointed Dutch boss Huub Stevens, who managed Schalke between 1996 and 2002, picking up the 1997 UEFA Cup during his time in charge.

Schalke will hope Stevens’ appointment is a successful one, even if the 57-year-old was second choice behind Benitez.


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