Rafa Benitez: Latest News, Rumours and Speculation on Napoli Manager's Future

With Rafa Benitez in the final year of his contract at Napoli, the manager's future remains up in the air. While the Italian club would surely like him to return, it's unclear if the sides will be able to come to an agreement.

Continue for updates.

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Benitez to Decide on His Future Next Month

Tuesday, March 3

While Benitez's future remains in doubt, the Spaniard hasn't ruled out returning to Napoli and will decide his future in April.

Neil McLeman of the Mirror has more:

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The Spaniard's family have remained in England and he is understood to be tempted by a return to the Premier League. Reports in Italy claim he has rejected a first contract offer. But speaking before the Coppa Italia semi-final first leg with Lazio, Benitez insisted he was in constant communication with Napoli.

"I speak with [sporting director Riccardo] Bigon every day," he said. "The same with the President [Aurelio De Laurentiis] when he's here, otherwise on the phone. We'll talk about the future in April."

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Benitez has had success with Napoli in his first two seasons at the club, winning the Coppa Italia and the Supercoppa Italiana. The club are currently third on the table behind Juventus and Roma, the same position they finished in last season.

Should Napoli qualify for the Champions League again next season, it would be difficult for the club to part ways with the manager who took them to Europe's premier competition in both of his campaigns.

It's also hard to know what opportunities will be available to Benitez in the Premier League should he desire a return to England. Perhaps he is waiting to see what develops with Manchester City amid mounting pressure on manager Manuel Pellegrini. 

Or perhaps Benitez is just stalling to make Napoli sweat and garner a bigger contract for himself.

Whatever the case may be, Benitez has made it clear that he will make a decision come April, so for the time being, Napoli's supporters and upper management are left to wait him out. Given the success he's had at the club thus far, fingers will be crossed hoping he stays.