Irish & International Sports News, Fixtures & Results

Rafael Benitez applauds the Newcastle supporters on the final day of the season

Benitez signs three-year deal with Newcastle

Newcastle have announced that Rafael Benitez will remain as manager after signing a new three-year contract.

The popular Spaniard succeeded Steve McClaren as manager on Tyneside for the final 10 games of the season

'Good chance' Benitez will stay on Tyneside

Rafael Benitez believes there is a "good chance" he will remain at Newcastle, despite their relegation from the Premier League.

Soccer • 14 May 16

Rafael Benitez is up against his old club Liverpool next

Benitez: Concentrate on matches not points

Rafael Benitez has told his Newcastle players to ignore the Barclays Premier League table after giving themselves a chance of avoiding the drop.

Soccer • 20 Apr 16

Moussa Sissoko scored Newcastle's second goal in their 3-0 win over Swansea

Rafa calls for more goals from 'dangerous' Sissoko

Rafael Benitez has challenged Moussa Sissoko to become "dangerous" once again as he plots a path out of the Barclays Premier League relegation minefield.

Soccer • 19 Apr 16

Rafael Benitez: 'I am here because I believe we can do it, for sure'

Benitez confident he can rescue Newcastle

Rafael Benitez is convinced he can drag Newcastle back among the Barclays Premier League's elite once he has pulled off a remarkable escape.

Soccer • 12 Mar 16

Rafael Benitez: 'It has been an honour and privilege to be in charge at this club'

VIDEO: Benitez wishes Real successor Zidane well

Rafael Benitez has expressed his gratitude for having the opportunity to manage Real Madrid and wished his successor Zinedine Zidane well.

Soccer • 05 Jan 16

Denis Cheryshev after scoring his team's opening goal

Real could be thrown out of cup after blunder

Real Madrid could face disqualification from the Copa del Rey after appearing to field an ineligible player in their 3-1 fourth round first leg win over Cadiz.

Soccer • 03 Dec 15

Rafael Benitez has promised more new faces at the Bernabeu before the 2015/16 season

Rafa Benitez: Real Madrid will make more signings

New coach Rafael Benitez has said Real Madrid will be bringing in more reinforcements this summer, but has not divulged who they might be or which players might be on their way out.

Soccer • 22 Jun 15

Rafael Benitez left Real Madrid in 1995 as his burgeoning coaching career took off

Rafael Benitez moved by return home to Real Madrid

Rafael Benitez was overcome with emotion on Wednesday when he was unveiled as the new manager of Real Madrid.

Soccer • 03 Jun 15

Rafael Benitez remains the favourite to take over at Real Madrid

Napoli play down Benitez announcement

Napoli insist a hastily-scheduled press conference has not been organised to confirm the departure of head coach Rafael Benitez for Real Madrid.

Soccer • 27 May 15

Rafael Benitez is contracted to the Naples club until the end of this season

Benitez unsure about his Napoli future

Rafael Benitez has refused to confirm that he will be in charge of Napoli at the start of next season, but insisted that if he isn't it won't be down "to money or signings".

Soccer • 17 Nov 14

Rafael Benitez managed Serie A side Inter Milan for a six-month spell in 2010

Benitez bags Napoli job

Rafael Benitez has been appointed as the new coach of Napoli, club president Aurelio de Laurentiis announced on his Twitter feed tonight.

Soccer • 27 May 13

Juan Mata and Rafael Benitez have deflected talk over Jose Mourinho's possible return to Stamford Bridge

Mata and Benitez focused on Basel

Juan Mata and Rafael Benitez preferred to focus on Chelsea's immediate future - tonight's Europa League semi-final second leg with Basel - rather than be concerned by the possibility of Jose Mourinho returning to Stamford Bridge.

Soccer • 02 May 13

John Obi Mikel has some rare praise for manager Rafael Benitez

Chelsea's Mikel hails Benitez impact

John Obi Mikel has praised manager Rafael Benitez for turning Chelsea's fortunes around in the FA Cup clash at Manchester United.

Soccer • 12 Mar 13

Rafael Benitez is not hiding behind any excuses after his side lost to Steaua Bucharest

Benitez offers no excuses after defeat

Rafael Benitez is adamant Manchester United were not on Chelsea's mind in the Europa League loss at Steaua Bucharest.

Soccer • 08 Mar 13

Rafael Benitez has been a target for Chelsea fans since taking charge of the club

Rafa says relationship with Abramovich is 'fine'

Rafael Benitez has insisted his relationship with Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich and the playing squad is strong despite his rant criticising Blues supporters and the club's decision to give him the title of interim manager.

Soccer • 28 Feb 13

Benitez having a "normal talk" with John Terry

Benitez focused on Cup progression

Chelsea boss Rafael Benitez insists nothing will deflect his focus from helping the squad secure a successful end to a turbulent season.

Soccer • 27 Feb 13

Rafa Benitez and John Terry were reported to have been involved in a training ground argument

Benitez playing down player bust-up

Chelsea manager Rafa Benitez has played down reports of a bust-up with his players - insisting it was business as usual ahead of tomorrow's FA Cup fifth-round tie at Middlesbrough.

Soccer • 26 Feb 13

Chelsea are on the up, according to manager Rafael Benitez

Benitez insists Chelsea are improving

Interim manager Rafael Benitez may not have enjoyed the easiest ride at Chelsea so far but is pleased by the way the side are progressing under his stewardship.

Soccer • 21 Feb 13

John Terry is no longer guaranteed his first team place at Chelsea

No first team guarantees for Terry

Rafael Benitez has warned John Terry a place in his first XI is not guaranteed after the Chelsea captain's recent fitness troubles.

Soccer • 15 Feb 13

Rafael Benitez has been fighting an uphill battle to win Chelsea fan support

Benitez more concerned with players than fans

Interim manager Rafael Benitez has revealed his only concern at Chelsea is keeping his players happy.

Soccer • 30 Jan 13

Rafael Benitez may not have to dig out his boots, but he's unlikely to get any new players

Benitez not expecting any more signings

Rafael Benitez has admitted he does not think Chelsea will give him any more money to spend before the transfer window closes.

Soccer • 29 Jan 13

Rafael Benitez and Alex Ferguson have previously clashed on the subject

Benitez again accuses Ferguson on referee issue

Chelsea interim manager Rafael Benitez has reiterated his 2009 claim that Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson puts undue pressure on match officials.

Soccer • 23 Jan 13

Rafael Benitez: 'I am still being criticised for making the decision to play Fernando Torres instead of Demba Ba, who was a big risk if he got injured'

Benitez: Winning only way to silence critics

Rafael Benitez insists winning is the only way to stop criticism of his Chelsea regime from within Stamford Bridge.

Soccer • 16 Jan 13

Rafael Benitez has seen his Chelsea side pick up six points and two clean sheets in their last two outings

Benitez insists Chelsea can still make final

Rafael Benitez insists Chelsea's hopes of Capital One Cup glory are still alive despite last night's embarrassing semi-final first leg defeat to Swansea at Stamford Bridge.

Soccer • 10 Jan 13