Rafa Benitez teases Premier League return amid Newcastle United x Matthias Jaissle future debate
Rafa Benitez managed Newcastle United for three-and-a-half years before leaving in 2019.
Rafa Benitez has suggested he is open to returning to the Premier League following an unsuccessful stint at Panathinaikos.
The Spaniard - who left Newcastle United after three-and-a-half years in 2019 - lasted just seven months at the Greek giants. Benitez has been somewhat of a managerial journeyman since derating St James’ Park.
Spells at Dalian Professional, Everton, Celta Vigo and Panathinaikos failed. Now aged 66 and working as a UEFA consultant, Benitez refuses to rule out a potential managerial return - insisting he is waiting for the right project.
‘The right project’ - Rafa Benitez
"You know that I'm working now for UEFA,” he told talkSPORT. “But I'm watching games all the time, and especially the Premier League, because I want to know the players, I want to know their style.
"I could see the other day when I was watching Juventus vs Napoli, then I was watching Liverpool vs Arsenal, and you can see the difference. So I like the Premier League because of the intensity.
“Every game, every ball is a challenge. I think it's fantastic. The problem is that you need to find the right project. Talking about projects in football now is quite complicated."
Premier League return & Newcastle United situation
Benitez was a highly popular figure during his time at Newcastle. He guided the club back to the Premier League and ensured survival for two seasons despite a limited budget.
There was talk about the Magpies potential reappointing Benitez following the Saudi-backed takeover. However, the new regime swooped for Eddie Howe, who delivered two Champions League qualifications and Carabao Cup success.
Matthias Jaissle is the current man in the dugout and already faces pressure after a mixed start to the campaign. A dismal 1-0 home defeat to Everton on Monday led to boos echoing around St James’ Park - and questions to be raised about the German’s future.
When asked whether he would entertain a top-flight return, Benitez added: "Yeah, yeah, I would be happy with that, for sure. I watch the French League, La Liga, Serie A, and the Premier League. They are my favourites, for sure."