Talking Tactics: Rafa ready to resurrect career at Celta

Rafael Benitez has returned to Spain and will be targeting success with Celta Vigo next season. 

It is the 63-year-old's first time managing in his home nation since lasting just seven months at Real Madrid in 2015-16. 

He has replaced Carlos Carvalhal, who led Celta to survival and a 13th-place finish last term after securing a final day 2-1 victory over champions Barcelona. 

As Los Celestes continue their preparations for the 2023-24 campaign, we take a look at what Benitez will bring to Balaidos.

Journey to Vigo

Benitez made his name during an extraordinary spell at Valencia in which they won LaLiga twice and lifted the UEFA Cup. 

In fact, he remains the last manager to win the Spanish top flight with a team other than Real Madrid, Barcelona or Atletico Madrid. 

He then led Liverpool to a famous Champions League victory in 2005 and went on to claim silverware at Inter Milan, Chelsea and Napoli. 

His time as Los Blancos boss was less successful, however, as was his most recent stint at Everton, with the Spaniard failing to see out a full season at either club.

Defending himself

Benitez has been keen to defend his time as Real Madrid manager, suggesting his dismissal was not justified. 

He said: "We were first in the Champions League [group]. Real Madrid won the Champions League title that year and we did our job. 

"When I left, we were just two points behind Barcelona with a game at hand. Two months later, that gap increased to 12 points." 

There is no doubt that the veteran tactician will be out to prove a point now that he is back in Spain.

Out of possession

The last full season the Madrid native oversaw in one of Europe's top five leagues was at Newcastle in 2018-19 — and the Magpies bore all the hallmarks of a typical Benitez team. 

They led the Premier League that year for blocks and clearances (1,811) and made the most fouls from attempted tackles (266). 

Celta's new manager is renowned for coaching a solid defensive unit capable of sitting deep and absorbing pressure — and Los Celestes supporters can expect the same in 2023-24.

In possession

Despite the stereotype that surrounds Spanish managers, Benitez is not a coach who favours patient approach play. 

No team completed fewer passes into the final third in the 2018-19 Premier League season than his Newcastle outfit (867), while only one side attempted more long passes than their 2,679. 

They also ranked second for switches of play (217) and open-play crosses completed (112), meaning Celta are likely to favour wing play over intricate build-up next term.

Keeping Veiga

Celta fans will be encouraged to hear that Benitez is hoping to keep hold of star youngster Gabri Veiga, despite reported interest from his old club Liverpool. 

He said: "We are talking about an important player [in Veiga] who comes from the academy and I would be delighted to have him continue with us. 

"It would be exciting for everyone and I will try to improve him as much as possible if he continues with us. I like him a lot, he's a great player and I'm counting on him." 

Being able to retain the 21-year-old midfielder would be a huge boost to Benitez's chances of a successful maiden campaign in Galicia.