Benitez: 'Real won the Champions League because of me'

- How do you rate the match Liverpool - Real Madrid?

- I can't point out which team has a better chance of going through, because every player has the ability to make a difference. If Liverpool maintain the same intensity of play as they did in the win over Liverpool at Anfield, they can score and win. But then there was still the second leg at the Bernabeu and Real Madrid had the ability to turn the tide thanks to the quality and experience of the players.

- You were born in Madrid and play for Real, but live in Liverpool, which team do you cheer for?

- No team, because I will try to enjoy the game. I have been playing for Real since I was 13 years old and have been with the team for many years. I also have many fond memories of leading Real in 2015-2016, this period was better than people think. My colleagues and I are still thinking that they will not allow us to win any titles with Real.

And I will explain why. We had to go when we were in the eighth round of the Champions League, being eliminated in the King's Cup was a mistake by management. In La Liga, we are only two points behind Barca with one game left. Two months later, Real was 12 points behind Barca.

In other words, Real took advantage of the good team we built, to win the Champions League at the end of the season. We do better than people think, but logically that doesn't bring satisfaction.

Back in the day, my adventures in Liverpool lasted five and a half years, filled with fun until the Americans came and took possession of the team. My last year at Liverpool, the team didn't even have money. But I have great memories, and my family still lives here, with many friends. Logically, I want to see Liverpool win, but I also don't want to see Real lose.

- Why do you say that Real benefits from what you do?

- The signings of Casemiro, Mateo Kovacic and Lucas Vazquez had positive results because they brought balance to the team. Then I asked to add a striker because at that time Karim Benzema could not play, but was not satisfied.

In terms of fitness, we do well and have the data to back it up. We also hold the record with an 8-0 win over Malmo in the Champions League. I also helped Liverpool to set that record with the win against Besiktas. So my partner and I did the right thing, like when we beat Rayo Vallecano 10-2. It's not that bad. But then the presidential election was coming up and we couldn't make too many mistakes. In addition, Iker Casillas is not playing, Sergio Ramos wants to leave and Cristiano Ronaldo is not happy. We had so many problems back then.

- Do you think you have been treated unfairly?

- At that time we were still able to compete for titles, but they didn't treat us well even though we were always honest and kept motivated. At Liverpool, I was treated very well, except for the last few months with new owners. I understand very well who is in charge and what the fans want.

- Will he return to lead Liverpool?

- I think Jurgen Klopp will stay because he is doing a good job, and Liverpool also support the coach. So I don't think I have many opportunities to work for Liverpool.

- Liverpool is now said to be no longer as scary as two years ago, what do you think about this view?

- A few weeks ago, they were less scary. But now the players have gradually returned from injury. With the same pace and intensity of play as in the last game, Liverpool can do anything. Mohamed Salah did not connect well with the strikers without Sadio Mane. But Roberto Firmino has recovered, with Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez, which leaves Klopp with many options at hand. They are stronger now, and the return of midfielder Virgil van Dijk provides certainty.

- Klopp's plans at Anfield have exhausted or can still develop?

- I think Klopp will continue to work because the Premier League has a lot of money, and the team can shop to change the squad. Of course sometimes they have to pay a lot of money for poor quality players. But if there is money, just buy the right three new players, they can change the face of the team.

- If you coach Real, will you play control football or switch quickly against current Liverpool?

- Real will try to take advantage of Vinicius Junior's speed to exploit the space behind Trent Alexander-Arnold. It remains to be seen whether coach Carlo Ancelotti is aiming for a balance with Federico Valverde and Dani Ceballos. Real have many injuries, but their most dangerous weapon is the ability to counterattack, thanks to Vinicius' speed. I think Real will try that because they usually try to control the ball anyway.

- Do you prefer a technical midfielder like Luka Modric and Toni Kroos, or a more physical midfielder like Aurelien Tchouameni and Valverde?

- I believe in balance, which helps players compete and beat others. If it's offensive, they can win. But usually, the championship team concedes fewer goals not because of defensive play, but because of pressure to win the ball back immediately after losing.

The Real boss asked me if they should bring Casemiro back after his loan at Porto, and we brought him back. So did Kovacic and Vazquez. Kroos and Modric have a lot of talent, but we have to bring in players who work hard to bring balance. Currently Ceballos and Valverde can do it. Kroos and Modric are still playing, proving that football intelligence is still valid. But the team has to make up for that because the sport is increasingly physical.

Teams often lose the ball so many times that they need a recoverer. In modern football, every time you lose the ball, you have to take it back, and repeat the sequence. Real emphasizes balance and continuously wins titles. Fitness helps players reach a certain level, but smart moves make the difference nowadays.

- What will you do when faced with the case of Vinicius, when he is often provoked and fouled?

- I will honestly talk to him clearly and give convincing arguments. I coached Eden Hazard at Chelsea, when he was at his best, but he lost his balance and made a lot of fouls. He makes a difference and attracts attention from his opponents. So we have to talk to Hazard, help him change.

I don't have much time to do that when I only have six months. But if I stay, I will try to convince him, by showing pictures. I will talk about the pros and cons of what he did or didn't do, and how the opponent would react. At that time, I can help him play more transformative.

- What makes Ancelotti so successful at Real?

- All analysis must be placed in the right thought scene. He did well at Everton with what the team had. If you give Ancelotti good players, his management is effective. Ancelotti has a good relationship with the players, and he knows what he has to do. He succeeded because of his consistency. Ancelotti has shown his ability in many teams, and if there are good players, he will do it. Even without him, he produced good seasons despite not winning titles.

- When will you return to coaching?

- As soon as possible. I am still working, analyzing matches, fitness data, tracking players and updating software to have all the information. I received many offers, even up to 20 different jobs. Luckily for me, after many years of winning titles, I have enough options. So I want to choose a team that suits my coaching methods and respects me and helps me develop players.