Rafa Benitez was offered Real Madrid job in 2009

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez revealed that, in 2009, when he returned to rule the club, he offered Rafa Benitez the chance to be the coach. However, the manager decided not to, until he eventually took over this year.

Benitez replaced Carlo Ancelotti in the summer, someone whom Perez hasn't spoken to since. "I haven't spoken to Ancelotti,  I suppose he'll be in Vancouver," said Perez on Cadena Ser. 

"We were absolutely convinced we needed a new impetus," said the chief. "For my part it would have been easier to keep going.

"I analysed it and didn't have doubts to give the team a new impulse. We are glad we did it with a new coach. Rafa Benitez is the best for Madrid at this time. He knows the culture, the values, and is from this 'house'.

"I thought of him in 2009 and offered him the job. The circumstances didn't allow it because he had renewed with Liverpool and couldn't leave them. Benitez is Spanish, a Madridista."