Rafa Benitez named manager of Chinese Super League side Dalian Yifang

Rafa Benitez has wasted little time in finding a new appointment after leaving Newcastle United as he was confirmed manager of Chinese Super League side Dalian Yifang.

The Champions League-winning former Liverpool manager has signed a two-year deal with the Blue Hawks, who currently sit tenth of 16 teams in the Chinese top flight at the midway point.

Benitez’s new job will see him reunited with Slovakian captain Marek Hamsik, whom he coached for two years at Napoli, while former Atletico Madrid winger Yannick Carrasco is also in situ.

"I have had offers of greater financial significance during my career, but they weren't the project I was looking for," Benitez said in quotes carried from his unveiling carried by his own website.

"What I have found at Dalian is an incredible project that has arrived at the perfect time and this has been a major factor in my decision.

“We've accepted the challenge of leading a superb project with the full backing and confidence of the club’s leadership team."

He continued: "For some years China has achieved drawing the attention of the football world towards the Superleague.

"Myself and my coaching team will also try to help achieve this goal by bringing our extensive experience in having success with top European clubs to our work with Dalian.

“The challenge now is to create the foundations for success both now and for the future. We know it won't be simple as there are some big rivals.

“But we are confident that there is huge potential and great commitment from the directors of the club to create something great at this club."