Rafael Benitez
Never accepted by the fans and constantly booed – perhaps due to his associations with Liverpool – Benitez’s tenure at the Bridge was far from smooth.
Yet with the club struggling the interim manager did exactly what he was brought in to do and ensured a top four finish and Champions League football for another year.
Throw into the bargain a somewhat unexpected Europa League win by beating Benfica 2-1 in the final and the Spaniard’s time at the club was far from unsuccessful.
As expected however the 53-year-old departed for Napoli in the close season which paved the way for the popular return of Mourinho.
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