Reading boss Ruben Selles has opened up on his relationship with former Liverpool and Newcastle United legend Rafael Benitez.

The two Spaniards' paths crossed over 20 years ago while leading Valencia to La Liga and UEFA Cup glory, with the then-young Selles still at university learning his trade.

Fast-forward to 2022 and while Selles was suffering relegation from the Premier League with Southampton, the veteran Champions League winner reached out.

"Rafa was the manager of Valencia when I was starting in the university of physical science and football so I went to watch training and he was a very solid manager with clear ideas to develop. In the first stages as a manager and coach I went to see him. Years passed and he went to Liverpool and won the Champions League.

"We had a couple of conferences and when I arrived at Southampton my friend was in contact with him, and we passed a couple of messages. When we got relegated, the game finished at five and I was distraught in the dressing room at seven and Rafa called. We had a conversation for almost an hour. He was really supportive and since then I have been talking to him and had a good relationship with him."

It's not just Benitez that Selles can take advice from when it comes to footballing matters.

"In my time at Southampton, I had a couple of conversations with managers like Arsene Wenger," he added. " I like to see and hear how they do things because I think it should be an inspiration for every manager to arrive at the top. I try as much as I can to have those conversations with them or some others because it gives me a different point of view."