Steven Gerrard: Rafael Benitez could return to England after Madrid sacking

Former Liverpool captain believes his ex-manager is well suited to manage in the Premier League

Steven Gerrard and Rafa Benitez hold the Champions League trophy aloft following their triumphant success in 2005 (Getty)

Rafael Benítez could return to England after being sacked by Real Madrid, according to his former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard.

The pair worked together at Anfield for six years, winning the Champions League in 2005, but La Galaxy midfielder Gerrard has openly admitted to having a distant relationship with the Spaniard.

Benítez was sacked six months into a three-year contract following the 2-2 draw with Valencia and has subsequently been replaced by Madrid legend Zinedine Zidane.

But Gerrard believes his former manager could be in line for a return to the Premier League after turning down an advance from West Ham to take the role at the Santiago Bernabéu in the summer.


 Rafa Benitez was sacked half-way into his first season at Real Madrid
 (GETTY IMAGES)

When asked if he can foresee a future in England for Benítez, the 35-year-old said: “I can. I don't know what club because you never know in the Premier League what clubs need a manager.

“But any club can need a manager at any time. It's a brutal business and clubs change their managers very quickly.

“I'm sad for Rafa because I thought he was doing a decent job at Madrid.

“But with the quality in his CV, I'm sure the big clubs around the world will be trying to get Rafa Benitez in because he's a wonderful manager.”