| Many have cited the way Rafael Benitez handles his | | | | more actively look for new talent. As a coach, |
| strategy as unorthodox but brilliant (as the two are | | | | Benitez has one goal; and that is to continually |
| so often linked) and, while few are as willing to take | | | | improve his team. That cannot be done, he argues, |
| the chances he does, all have to admit that his | | | | without trying to find who is available and see what |
| particular brand of thinking suits him well; leading him | | | | they can do. This thinking is simple but aggressive, |
| to an impressive record. But what makes him seem | | | | and marks him suite different than his fellow coaches. |
| so strange when compared to other coaches? What | | | | He places an emphasis on team, rather than one |
| earns him so much debate and admiration? It is quite | | | | player. Many teams will have a definite "star" and try |
| simple, really: he refuses to stay content. | | | | to build strategies around that individual. Benitez does |
| Yes, yes, we know: all coaches want the best for | | | | not. Instead, he calls for team effort and support. No |
| their teams and will seek it out. But, at the same | | | | footballer is to rank above another (whether he's a |
| time, there is a certain level of complacency that | | | | star player or not), simply because this does nothing |
| occurs when a team becomes successful. Players and | | | | to help the overall goal of becoming better. Players |
| coaches alike will believe their method has been | | | | work best together, not separated by rankings of |
| perfected and that they should do nothing to change | | | | who is supposedly the best. And this type of thinking |
| it. After all, why tamper with something that has | | | | borders on the shocking in the sports' world, because |
| proven to work? | | | | so few will dare to do it. |
| They will refuse to look at other ideas because they | | | | But, in truth, Benitez offers a common sense |
| are worried of destroying the success they have | | | | approach to football: a team cannot think themselves |
| created. | | | | perfect; there is always room for improvement; no |
| Benitez is the opposite of this. He willingly seeks out | | | | player is guaranteed to be safe to change; and no |
| change. There is no one who boasts a roster that is | | | | player puts himself above the good of the team. |
| more constantly updated, fixed or completely | | | | With this, he's managed to create a strategy that |
| reorganized as he does. And there is no one who will | | | | works... and succeeds. |