RAFA BENITEZ has left Dalian Professional as pressure mounts on managers at two of his former clubs.
The ex-Newcastle boss, 60, has walked away from his reported £12million-a-year deal in China for family reasons.
Rafa Benitez left Newcastle at the end of the 2018-19 seasonCredit: EPA
It comes as Steve Bruce is under fire at Newcastle, while Frank Lampard is feeling the heat at Chelsea.
Benitez, whose family are based in north east England, was not due to head back to China for another two months and told the club he would not be returning.
He made the move to China in July 2019 after his Newcastle contract expired.
He was replaced at St James’ Park by Bruce, who is under pressure after a string of poor results and performances.
Chelsea are also reportedly considering Lampard’s future after falling out of title contention.
A statement on Benitez’s website read: “Unfortunately, like so many things in the last year, Covid-19 has changed our lives and our projects.
“From today, both my coaching staff and I will sadly no longer be coaching the Dalian Professional F.C.
“It has been an incredible experience and for this I would like to thank all my staff, coaches, medical and club staff as well as our players; their commitment to us in the first place, their support during the time we were there, and their effort has been magnificent.
“The pandemic is still here, for all of us, and supporting our families has been a priority when making this decision.”
Toon boss Steve Bruce and Chelsea gaffer Frank Lampard are under pressure Credit: Reuters
Benitez remains a popular figure among Newcastle fans.
The former Liverpool boss took charge in March 2016 and nearly kept the team in the Premier League before sticking around to win the Championship title and an instant return to the top flight.
He masterminded two comfortable seasons back in the big time before moving to China when his contract expired.
Benitez cited a lack of trust with club bigwigs for his departure.
Newcastle turned to Bruce but 18 months down the line disappointing results and wretched performances have fans calling for his head.
The Toon are without a win in nine games in all competitions and are only seven points clear of the relegation zone.
Bruce is second favourite with the bookies to be the next Premier League manager to be sacked.
The only person fancied as more likely to leave his post is Lampard.
SunSport understands Lampard faces a crucial fortnight for his future after losing five of their last eight games.
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The Stamford Bridge legend is safe for now but the 2-0 defeat at Leicester has fuelled growing concerns that the axe is looming.
He is running out of time to turn things around and facing an increasingly uphill battle to convince owner Roman Abramovich he can lead the team.
Benitez’s second spell managing in the Premier League was an interim stint at Chelsea, during which he won the 2013 Europa League.
Spaniard Benitez helped develop Dalian’s training ground and youth programme. While they missed out on qualification for last season’s Championship stage, he ensured relegation was avoided.
He added: “Behind us, in China, and especially in Dalian, we are leaving many friends and good memories in a great city with very knowledgeable fans.
“We have tried to learn and understand a new culture and also to transmit a more professional, more European vision of football with a new methodology.
“I’m convinced we have left a structure and a methodology that will allow the project to go ahead successfully. Since we arrived, the First Team has been rejuvenated and the foundations have been laid for the future, from the grassroots schools to the top.
“In addition, it has been done taking into account the training of players in China under a unique project, that combines football and training at school level up until the doors of the professional teams.
“I say goodbye sadly under these circumstances, but at the same time I am convinced that the future will be bright for Dalian Pro FC.”
Rafa Benitez bemused as three players sent off in 94th minute after mass brawl as Dalian KO’d in CSL play-off
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
