Rafael Benitez has certainly been one of the most loved managers at Newcastle United over the past decade. The Spaniard managed to connect with supporters in a similar way to what he’d achieved at Liverpool, and was seen as one of the good guys at the club, surrounded by people not in the same bracket.
Had the much-wanted takeover happened then Benitez may well have continued at the Magpies and guided them to success, but he instead left the Newcastle troubles behind and set off for China.
Taking over at Dalian, the manager quickly signed Salomon Rondon, who had been named Newcastle’s player of the year just months before. The striker had been on loan at the Premier League club from West Brom, however, the switch wasn’t made permanent.
Speaking to the Spanish media, who hold an interest due to the player’s past with Las Palmas and Malaga, he’s been asked about his relationship with Benitez.
Estadio Deportivo quote Rondon as saying: “My story with Benitez started when he bet on me to take me to Newcastle when I had been relegated with West Bromwich Albion. He called me and asked me if I wanted to play for his team.
“Just hearing the name of Rafa Benitez impresses you, since he is a football great and, without hesitation, I went to Newcastle, where I arrived without rhythm and without preseason, although the second part of the season was better. Now I thank Benitez for giving me the opportunity to work with him and his coaching staff and for continuing to nourish me with his football.”
Rondon was then asked if Benitez has been beneficial to his career, and replied: “Yes, of course. It also depends on the rest of the players, on the preparation of matches and training. Chinese football is different in certain things from European football and it is a matter of adapting.”
