How former Real Madrid boss can help NFF in Herve Renard chase

Spanish coach Rafa Benitez has reportedly registered interest in the USMNT, a development that could provide respite for the NFF in their own search for a permanent coach. 

Benitez has a seasoned profile, with stints at Real Madrid and Liverpool, but he was last at Celta Vigo. USSoccer fired Greg Berhalter after a shambolic Copa America on home soil, and suitors have been lurking in waiting. 

According to a report from renowned Spanish journalist Guillem Balague, per Goal, the 2005 Champions League-winning coach wants to fill the coaching void of the USMNT.

His desire for the role is concrete, and he has even contacted Lucas de la Torre, a USMNT midfielder who he coached at Celta Vigo, to inquire about the opening.

The USA are the hosts, or at least one of them, of the next World Cup, and following their disappointing Copa America, they are looking to recruit a coach that meets the standard they want to attain.

As Pulse Sports reported, the NFF has tabled a €2 million offer for French coach Herve Renard to become the new Super Eagles manager.

The bid matched them up against Egypt, who hold a similar interest and have sent an offer as well, albeit slightly lower than Nigeria’s.

However, as Colin Udoh reported yesterday, USSoccer has an eye on Renard, and they could present him with a much more significant financial package than the Nigerian Football Federation are currently capable of. 

The entry of Benitez into the equation for the USMNT could serve as a boon to the NFF in their bid to hire a top coach and salvage the World Cup qualifiers.