Rafa Benitez's China dream turns to a nightmare as ex-Newcastle United manager eyes Premier League return amid relegation worries

And, according to reports, a frustrated Benitez could do just that with relegation fears at Dalian Pro very real and the Spaniard already angered by the ‘glass ceiling’ in Chinese football.

Benitez left United after three years having grown tired of the endless battle to better Newcastle under the ownership of Mike Ashley.

But now, according to the Independent, Benitez is having similar such struggles in the Far East – but this time it is not his owners who are the opposition.

Their report reads: “The Spaniard is not happy. He still dreams of trophies… The mountains of cash do not erase his frustration.”

It continues: “Salary caps, quotas and league politics make it difficult for teams on the margins to compete with the division’s perennial powerhouses. Guangzhou Evergrande have been champions for eight of the past nine campaigns, a run only interrupted by big-spending Shanghai SIPG two years ago. Nevertheless, Benitez’s irritation is obvious. Not all the foreign bosses are consumed by the same intensity.

One rival coach, exasperated by Benitez’s complaints, explained the situation in a blunt manner. ‘We’re in a golden prison. But when we get out, we can buy an island’.”

Despite on field struggles – Dalian are set to take part in relegation play-offs – off the field the ‘project’ has delivered.

Benitez is keen to create a legacy in China, one he was prevented from even considering at Benton.

Spanish coaches have been flown in to develop players from the grassroots up and housed in a £250 million training complex, which Benitez has helped shape and deliver.

But just over a year into a three-year contract in the north east of China the pressure is on Benitez with results failing him and star players Marek Hamsik and Salomon Rondon being linked with moves back to Europe.

What Benitez said about switching Tyneside for Dalian

“This club has all the components that we were looking for to start a new chapter with the maximum motivation.

“Among the directors of the club I have found people who value my track record, such as the chairman of the Wanda Group, Mr. Wang, who is keen to grow this club as much as possible, develop a tremendous project and support this growth with all the necessary resources.

“We share the same ambition of developing a great project here and leave a legacy in Dalian.”

“I have had offers of greater financial significance during my career, but they weren’t the project I was looking for.

“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.”

Benitez on strained relationship with Mike Ashley

“Our hosts have treated us with great consideration and are always keen to make us happy.

“As we all know from experience, in football, just as in everyday life, when people show you respect and affection and do everything they can to make things easier for you, life is much happier, even when you face difficult moments.

"I must say that I have had more meetings with the chairman, the president and the general manager this week than I had in three years at Newcastle.

“They haven’t just been work meetings, rather signs of respect in which we have been able to appreciate the differences and similarities in our cultures.”

Benitez on signing a new deal at NUFC, May 2016

“I am here because I am convinced we can go up next season (from the Championship), stay there for a long time and even win trophies.

“The first reason for me to stay was the fans, the stature of the club and the future. I have seen all these things together. I came here because of that and I could see these things every day, especially the last day of the season.

“There have been lots of positive things from day one. Also my family is in England and I wanted to stay here. My family said, “You have to stay”. When I saw that, and after talking with Lee (Charnley, the Newcastle managing director), I know we can work together and do good things for the club.”

On leaving Newcastle United in 2019

“If I was only interested in moving ‘for money’, as Lee Charnley stated, I could have done it much earlier.

“Newcastle’s board had a year to sort out my contract but, when we met after the end of last season, they didn’t make me a proper offer. They told me they didn’t want to invest in the academy or the training ground – if they like, I can explain the reason why Mike Ashley refused to do that.

“After that meeting, I knew they would not come back with a serious offer and, when it arrived, 19 days later, it was for the same salary as three years earlier and with less control over signings. After three years of unfulfilled promises, I didn’t trust them.”