A former Real Madrid boss is reportedly in line to land a new role at a team competing in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.
Just over four months remain before the start of the eagerly anticipated Club World Cup in the United States.
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The January transfer window has shown a glimpse of the excitement around the tournament, as there have been several reports of players wanting to join teams that will be competing in the tournament.
It was recently reported that one of the reasons Mamelodi Sundowns' impending signing from CA Talleres, Lucas Suarez, agreed to join Masandawana was their participation in the Club World Cup.
Another player, Bolivian star Ramiro Vaca, also recently expressed that he would be willing to join Wydad Athletic Club because he is excited by the prospect of competing in the new 32-team format.
This now seems to be the case for renowned European coach Rafael Benitez, who is said to be in line for the Botafogo job, according to Brazilian publication GE.
Botafogo, who are from Brazil, have been drawn in Group B at the Club World Cup, where they will face Paris Saint-Germain (France), Atletico Madrid (Spain), and Seattle Sounders (USA).
The report claims that Benitez was approached by Botafogo after their attempts to recruit Andre Jardine, who currently manages América do México, and Portuguese coach Paulo Fonseca, failed.
Benitez's last job was as the head coach of La Liga club Celta de Vigo, which ended in March 2024. Moreover, the Spanish tactician has previously won the Club World Cup, doing so with Inter Milan in the 2010/11 season.
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By Lukhanyo Mtuta
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