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Rafa Benitez: Real Madrid are the favourites to win La Liga
The Spanish coach says that Jose Mourinho's side are in the driving seat for the Primera Division title, while revealing that he is interested in returning to the Premier League
10 Feb 2012 17:51:00
By Luis Mira
Former Liverpool and Inter coach Rafa Benitez believes that Real Madrid are the favourites to win the Liga title.
The Santiago Bernabeu outfit are seven points clear at the top of the table, and while Barcelona have insisted they will not throw in the towel, Benitez does not think that the trophy will remain at Camp Nou.
"The Liga title is all about Madrid and Barcelona, the others fight for their own goals," he told Europa Press Television.
"Madrid have a big advantage, a great and competitive squad and they have not won the title in a long time, so they are hungry.
"They are the favourites. In a couple of matches, everything can change, but their advantage is considerable and I do not think they will relax.
"Barcelona will keep a very high level, but so will Madrid."
The 51-year-old coach, who has been without work since being sacked by Inter in 2010, also noted that his priority is to return to the Premier League.
"That is the league I like the most because I know how it works and I know how a coach there has to work, he has to take responsibility there," Benitez explained.
Benitez also commented on Fernando Torres, whom he coached during his time at Liverpool, saying the Chelsea striker is a shadow of his former self.
"He is not at the same level as when I coached him," he noted. "We are talking about a quality player and I believe that, little by little, he is improving.
"I watched him play and he has a very good attitude, he is doing what he must do to be the Fernando we all know again."
The Santiago Bernabeu outfit are seven points clear at the top of the table, and while Barcelona have insisted they will not throw in the towel, Benitez does not think that the trophy will remain at Camp Nou.
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"The Liga title is all about Madrid and Barcelona, the others fight for their own goals," he told Europa Press Television.
"Madrid have a big advantage, a great and competitive squad and they have not won the title in a long time, so they are hungry.
"They are the favourites. In a couple of matches, everything can change, but their advantage is considerable and I do not think they will relax.
"Barcelona will keep a very high level, but so will Madrid."
The 51-year-old coach, who has been without work since being sacked by Inter in 2010, also noted that his priority is to return to the Premier League.
"That is the league I like the most because I know how it works and I know how a coach there has to work, he has to take responsibility there," Benitez explained.
Benitez also commented on Fernando Torres, whom he coached during his time at Liverpool, saying the Chelsea striker is a shadow of his former self.
"He is not at the same level as when I coached him," he noted. "We are talking about a quality player and I believe that, little by little, he is improving.
"I watched him play and he has a very good attitude, he is doing what he must do to be the Fernando we all know again."
| Sign up with 188BET for a FREE bet up to £25 – Great Prices, Every Game |
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| Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
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| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
| Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
|
Live!
England 1-0 Belgium, Netherlands 6-0 Northern Ireland - follow all the international action LIVE! ahead of Euro 2012
With countries across the continent gearing up for their final warm-up games ahead of Euro 2012, join us for all the action from Saturday's friendlies. Get in touch with us via Twitter with your reaction.
Hosted by Joe Doyle
Hosted by Joe Doyle
21:38 BST
And it's now 3-1 to Turkey! An own goal from Pepe and we're into time added on. Do people think Portugal will qualify from their group?
21:34 BST
Into the final few minutes with Portugal still 2-1 down to Turkey. Cristiano Ronaldo missed his second ever penalty for Portugal earlier on.
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Elsewhere in Europe, Portugal are currently losing at home to Turkey. Not looking good for them at the Euros!
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