Rafael Benitez and Roberto Di Matteo have no regrets about swapping the gilded life of the European elite for the Championship's war of attrition as they prepare to slug it out in the race for promotion from England's second tier.
Just 12 months ago, Benitez was preparing Real Madrid for another assault on the major prizes, while Di Matteo was linked with several prestige jobs following his departure from German club Schalke.
It was impossible to forsee either Benitez, who led Liverpool to Champions League glory in 2005, or Di Matteo, who won Europe's leading club competition as Chelsea boss in 2012, finding themselves amid the muck and nettles of the Championship.
Yet, on the eve of Newcastle's trip to Fulham for the opening match of the season on Friday, both managers are relishing the opportunity to restore two fallen giants to their former glory.
Newcastle, managed by Benitez, are favourites to win an immediate return to the Premier League in their first season in the second tier since 2010.
Aston Villa, coached by Di Matteo, are also expected to be among the promotion contenders as they face up to a first year out of the top-flight since 1987-88.
Escaping the Championship is a cut-throat affair, but Benitez is no naive newcomer to the predicament after leading Extremadura and Tenerife to promotion from the Spanish second division.
"It's important for us to be working hard and be organised but to play our style of football too," Benitez said.
"I think we are improving every game but still far away from what we have to be."
Just 12 months ago, Benitez was preparing Real Madrid for another assault on the major prizes, while Di Matteo was linked with several prestige jobs following his departure from German club Schalke.
It was impossible to forsee either Benitez, who led Liverpool to Champions League glory in 2005, or Di Matteo, who won Europe's leading club competition as Chelsea boss in 2012, finding themselves amid the muck and nettles of the Championship.Yet, on the eve of Newcastle's trip to Fulham for the opening match of the season on Friday, both managers are relishing the opportunity to restore two fallen giants to their former glory.
Newcastle, managed by Benitez, are favourites to win an immediate return to the Premier League in their first season in the second tier since 2010.
Aston Villa, coached by Di Matteo, are also expected to be among the promotion contenders as they face up to a first year out of the top-flight since 1987-88.
Escaping the Championship is a cut-throat affair, but Benitez is no naive newcomer to the predicament after leading Extremadura and Tenerife to promotion from the Spanish second division.
"It's important for us to be working hard and be organised but to play our style of football too," Benitez said.
"I think we are improving every game but still far away from what we have to be."
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