Pride injuries never really fade. Rafael Benitez has just proved it in a rather surprising way, he who has always cultivated the image of a measured and rational technician. In a recent media outing, the former Real Madrid coach has delivered a statement that owes nothing to chance. A position that sounds like a settling of accounts deferred with one of the largest stars he had to manage in his career.
The Spaniard did not go there by four paths on the YouTube channel “Shoot for Love”. Asked about the great current attackers, Benitez placed Mohamed Salah above Cristiano Ronaldo without blinking: “Ronaldo may be the largest finisher, but Salah is more complete. »» A daring comparison that places Liverpool's Egyptian in front of the five -time golden ball and top scorer in the history of football. A point of view that few technicians would dare to defend publicly. In addition, Rafa also said that Steven Gerrard is the best player he has never coached, omitting CR7.
The shadow of the USB key still hovers
This outing strangely resonates with the painful episode experienced by the two men at Real Madrid in 2015. Benitez, freshly arrived at Casa Blanca, had tried to impose his methods on Ronaldo, going so far as to give him a USB key filled with technical advice. The Portuguese response had been scathing: ” Tell Benitez that I will send him a USB key with all my goals to study them. »» A public humiliation that had marked the start of the end for the Spanish technician.
Ten years later, the wounds still seem to be alive. Benitez is one of those rare coaches who do not hesitate to minimize the impact of CR7, preferring to highlight other profiles. This position contrasts with the general consensus which places the Portuguese in the pantheon of the greatest, alongside Messi. A obstinacy that questions the real motivations of the former Liverpool boss.
A revenge served cold
By choosing Salah as a reference, Benitez sends a subliminal message to his old Madrid nightmare. The Egyptian becomes his weapon of choice to indirectly tackle Ronaldo, a star whom he never managed to tame. This daring comparison sounds like a provocation. Ten years after the humiliation of the USB key, Rafa Benitez has just served his revenge. Cold, but effective.
