Rafa Benitez could soon take charge of one of the giants of South American football, according to reports in Brazil.
The former Liverpool, Newcastle and Chelsea manager is reportedly being lined up to be the next manager of Sao Paulo.
According to Brazilian outlet Arquinbancada Tricolor, the club has held ‘behind-the-scenes’ discussions with Benitez to replace Thiago Carpini, who was only appointed in January.
Gazeta Esportiva, meanwhile, reported the club were in ‘advanced conversations’ with Benitez but were also considering former Sheffield Wednesday manager Carlos Cavalhal and former Manchester City assistant Domenec Torrent as alternatives.
The negotiations with Benitez have reportedly been conducted by Giuliano Bertolucci, one of Brazil’s most influential agents, whose clients include Premier League stars Gabriel Magalhaes and Bruno Guimaraes and PSG captain Marquinhos.
Rafael Benitez is reportedly close to take charge of Brazilian giants Sao Paulo
Sao Paulo boss Thiago Carpini could be sacked, despite being only appointed in January
Benitez has been out of a job since he was sacked by Celta Vigo last month after less than a season in charge.
The Spaniard joined the LaLiga club in July 2023, but left after losing 14 of the 28 league games he took charge of and his team 17th on the table, just two points clear of the relegation zone.
In a statement announcing his departure, Celta noted the 63-year-old had fallen short of the standards expected by the club.
‘Rafa Benítez and his staff leave RC Celta after eight months of absolute dedication and total commitment, but in which the team has not obtained the results expected by the club.
‘The club would like to express to Rafa Benítez and his assistants its most sincere gratitude for the honesty and professionalism they have shown since their arrival and the tireless work they have done.
‘RC Celta would also like to wish them the best of luck and success in the future.’
Benitez was sacked by Celta Vigo in March after losing 14 of his 28 league games in charge
Sao Paulo are top of their group in the Paulista state Championship and second in their Copa Libertadores group, but have lost their first two matches in the national championship
Benitez won 11 major trophies in 13 seasons across LaLiga, the Premier League and Serie A and led Liverpool to their Champions League triumph in 2005.
His last sojourn in England, however, ended with him sacked by the Everton in January 2022 after 18 months in charge with the club 15th in the Premier League.
Sao Paulo have lost both of their first two games in the Brazilian Championship, but are top of Group D in the Campeonato Paulista – the Sao Paulo State championship – and second in Group B in the Copa Libertadores with three points after two games.
One of the giants of South American football, Sao Paulo haven’t won the national championship since 2008, three years after they picked up the last of their three Copa Libertadores title.
Carpini lifted the Brazilian Super Cup in January, the club’s first major trophy since their Campeonato Paulista triumph three years ago.
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