Real Madrid’s former player and youth coach, Alvaro Benito, could be set to take on a new role as Spain’s Under-19 manager. The 46-year-old, who is also the lead singer-guitarist of Spanish punk band Pignoise, was sacked by Real Madrid in 2019 after publicly criticizing Toni Kroos and Casemiro. However, according to The Athletic, the Spanish FA has approached Benito to replace Jose Lana in a key position in the country’s international set-up.
Benito spent eight years at Real Madrid before retiring from playing in 2003 at the age of 26 due to a series of knee injuries. During his rehabilitation, he learned to play the guitar and write songs, forming Pignoise in 2002. After a 13-year hiatus, Benito returned to Real Madrid as the boss of Juvenil B, the U-19s reserves. However, he was sacked after criticizing Kroos and Casemiro following a 3-0 El Clasico defeat by Barcelona.
Despite his previous controversy, Benito is now tipped for a shock return to high-level coaching. The Spanish FA is reportedly weighing up Lana’s future, despite only appointing the 48-year-old in January.
Heading 1: Alvaro Benito: From Footballer to Rock Star
Alvaro Benito’s football career was cut short due to a series of knee injuries. After retiring from playing in 2003, he turned his attention to music and formed the punk band Pignoise. The band has released several albums and has a loyal following in Spain.
Heading 2: Real Madrid Career
Benito spent eight years at Real Madrid, making over 100 appearances for the club. He won LaLiga with Real in 1997 and also played in the Champions League. However, his career was cut short due to knee injuries, and he retired from playing at the age of 26.
Heading 3: Coaching Career
After retiring from playing, Benito turned his attention to coaching. He worked as a youth coach at Real Madrid before being appointed as the boss of Juvenil B, the U-19s reserves, in 2016. However, he was sacked in 2019 after criticizing Toni Kroos and Casemiro following a 3-0 defeat by Barcelona.
Heading 4: Spain Under-19 Manager?
Despite his previous controversy, Benito is now being considered for the role of Spain’s Under-19 manager. The Spanish FA has reportedly approached him to replace Jose Lana, who was appointed in January. If appointed, it would be a surprising new string to Benito’s bow.
Heading 5: Conclusion
Alvaro Benito’s career has taken many twists and turns, from footballer to rock star to coach. Despite his previous controversy, he is now being considered for a key position in Spain’s international set-up. It remains to be seen whether he will be appointed as the country’s Under-19 manager, but it would be a surprising new chapter in his career.