Former Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has been criticised by striker Ryan Babel, who currently turns out for mid-table Turkish side Kasimpasa.

Benitez took Babel to Liverpool from Ajax in 2007, but the Dutchman flopped at Anfield and regularly struggled to live up to the expectations attached to him.




The Spanish tactician soon lost patience with misfiring Babel, who was eventually sold to Hoffenheim in 2011 and his career hit a downward spiral.

Hoffenheim released the Dutchman just 18 months later after he failed to have an impact in Germany and he returned to Ajax, where he was a bit-part player.
 

 

Babel linked up with Turkish side Kasimpasa in 2013.

relatedNewsStory

Now the striker has hit out at Benitez, who is set to join Real Madrid after announcing his departure from Serie A side Napoli at the end of the season.

Babel took to Twitter to write: "Benitez on his way to Real? He will make [Cristiano] Ronaldo a great defender…"

Benitez is poised to succeed Carlo Ancelotti at the Bernabeu, with the Italian tactician being sacked as manager earlier this week after finishing the season without a major trophy.

Don't bet on football until you've visited Inside Bet! Interesting markets, top tips, betting facts – get all the info before you bet.