According to Echoes of Liverpool, Brands wanted Graham Potter more than Rafa Benitez.Given the way the Benitez era has unfolded - Everton are 11 points behind Brighton are operating on a fraction of their budget - it is tempting to wonder how different this season would have been if Moshiri had followed suit with the sporting director. "It was such a bad season for me. He would later rue how Mauricio Pellegrino was brought in as his replacement. They thought I was playing well but Benitez told me he was surprised the fans booed because I was not good enough. German clubs are financially savvy Kln knew they couldnt afford to buy me if they werent in the top division but Rafa refused to let me go on loan. The French hit-man was booked for pulling his shirt over . I meet him from time to time like at Pepe Reinas wedding, or some family parties.. Former Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has named the two players that influenced Steven Gerrard the most in his time at the club. Making 52 appearances in 2006/07, that dropped to 25 in 2007/08 while he was frozen out in 2008/09 altogether, featuring just four times and making only two Premier League starts before being sent on loan to Portsmouth. ", "Rafael Benitez's Istanbul memories | Tactics, Gerrard switch and trophy lift", "Motion expert says Garcia's shot did cross the line", "Top 20 sporting moments of the decade: Liverpool's 'Miracle of Istanbul', "Benitez Uncovered: Inside The Dressing Room On That Amazing Night In Istanbul", "Rafa's Boys: How Successful Was Benitez in the Transfer Market? "I just thought, 'am I so bad that they want me to leave and they want him?'. It was up and down but at the same time I had a great experience there. [41] Alonso said that Bentez's attempts to sell him the previous summer were a deciding factor in his move. "I have not said I am going to leave Liverpool. He won his first league game in charge, beating Southampton 31. But then for the first game of the new season I wasn't in the team again. [20] Bentez's calm, methodical approach at half time was said to give the players the belief they could pull off an improbable comeback and win Liverpool an historic fifth European Cup. 20th Sep 2022, 7:39am. I was frustrated when I was not included in the Spain squad for the World Cup in 2010 because I hadnt had a lot of playing time in the Premier League for like two months. Ralf Rangnick may yet be right about Liverpool and Man United as Jurgen Klopp sends subtle transfer warning, Manchester United are having a better season that Liverpool, that cannot be questioned, but Theo Squires wonders whether there has been a long-term power shift, Roberto Firmino's agent breaks silence on 'unbelievably emotional' Liverpool exit, Roberto Firmino refused to hold talks with other clubs before deciding his Liverpool future, according to his agent, Liverpool predicted line-up for Manchester United as Jurgen Klopp makes two huge calls, How Liverpool could line up against Manchester United at Anfield on Sunday afternoon in the Premier League, John Barnes makes 'worried' Liverpool v Manchester United admission and Mohamed Salah goals point. Besides, people are treating me as if I don't exist any more. [26], Supporters and manager joined to welcome new owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks, with the hope the new owners would bring funding for new players and a new stadium. LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 17: Abdoulaye Doucoure of Everton is challenged by Tomas Soucek of West Ham United during the Premier League match between Everton and West Ham United at Goodison Park on October 17, 2021 in Liverpool, England. ", "Gerrard: 2006 display against West Ham probably my best ever - just don't call it 'The Gerrard Final', "Bellamy faces uncertain future as Liverpool reel from golf club attack", "Rafael Bentez calls temporary truce as fans plan show of solidarity", "ESPNFC: Soccer The long goodbye for Rafa? I hated him at the time, but Ive lost that now. on July 16, 2010. In his second interview he said: "I do not want to make trouble with the manager. Missing a match, however big, for the birth of your first child is perfectly understandable, with it appearing the only disagreement between the two came from Benitez declining Alonsos suggestion to later link up with the squad. I want to know.. "I have still not swallowed it. On 3 June 2015, Bentez was confirmed as the new Real Madrid manager, signing a three-year contract. See you on Wednesday.. "I'll only leave if I go as a free agent. [31] It later emerged that Jrgen Klinsmann had been offered Bentez's job before eventually accepting the post of Bayern Munich manager. [147][146] Francisco died in December 2005 while Bentez was in Japan for the FIFA Club World Championship. The lads could see I was fuming so all hung around to see what would happen. On two occasions early last season, against Fulham and Lyon, the fans booed when I was subbed. About Us; Staff; Camps; Scuba. A scorer of big goals, he produced countless important moments in his three seasons with the club as the Reds challenged for the Premier League title and progressed in the Champions League. I'm a total fan of his tactical methods, and have read a lot about it. His final match was a 42 defeat to Lazio, who took the final place in the Champions League at Napoli's expense.[101]. And after falling down the pecking order at Anfield, the Poland international was involved in a couple of controversial incidents before departing on a free transfer to Real Madrid in 2007. However, an 87th-minute goal by Steven Gerrard defeated Olympiacos 31 and saw the club progress to the last 16 on head-to-head difference. I am delighted to play for Liverpool and if I was playing, I would love to stay, because it is a brilliant place to play football. [21] In doing so, Bentez became only the third manager in history (after Bob Paisley and Jos Mourinho) to win the UEFA Cup and UEFA Champions League in successive seasons, and the second Liverpool manager (after Joe Fagan) ever to win the UEFA Champions League/European Cup in his first season in charge. "As a player, you just want a bit of fun, to make training good and lively. Youre a big name, you can play anywhere at all. You already know the story, of course. He left the club in June 2019 and the following month was appointed manager of Chinese Super League club Dalian Professional. Fully fit again in time for Benitezs arrival, he featured throughout pre-season and even scored in a friendly vs Celtic. That's when Chelsea made an offer and the deal was done before Benitez left. When that starts happening, you have to assume it is something personal, rather than professional. I havent really thought about it, I said. Benitez swapped Liverpool for Inter Milan in 2010 and last coached in the Premier League at Newcastle before joining Chinese side Dalian Professional in 2019, leaving that role in January. He was different class, the amount of goals and assists that he got. As always you can unsubscribe at any time. Riera would later blame the media for the breakdown in his relationship with Benitez when speaking to Anfield HQ in 2016. I dont know how, but I managed to stop myself. John Arne Riise was another player who had his future taken out of his own hands by Benitez, with the Spaniard telling the Norwegian it was time for him to move on. [115][116] Mike Ashley criticised Bentez following his departure, stating that Bentez's demands made it impossible for him to remain as manager. The appointment is a controversial one, as Benitez spent six years at Anfield, winning the Champions League, FA Cup and UEFA Super Cup during his spell. "I was never given a chance and that hurts. He also enrolled as a student at INEF, the sports faculty at the Universidad Politcnica de Madrid and in 1982 he obtained a degree in physical education. The club began their campaign with an unimpressive 21 aggregate win over Grazer AK in the qualifying rounds and were minutes away from going out of the competition in the group stages. Connect with Liverpool fans from around the world in our official supporters group. Topics the dayTopicsThe Best winnersInflation Relief Checks liveF1 Bahrain TVNBA scheduleChampions League schedulesNBANFLNFL ScoresNFL ScheduleLaLiga StandingsLaLiga ScoresPremier League StandingsPremier League SchedulePremier League ScoresEuropa League ScheduleEuropa League ScoresSerie ScoresPowerball numbers todayMega Millions numbers todayWBC teams schedule2023. If you want to stay, theres not much point, I know you like playing and youre better off going. [24][140], Bentez is a firm believer in squad rotation and zonal marking. [132] In a match in April 2009 when Allardyce was manager of Blackburn, he accused Bentez of arrogance over a gesture he made when Fernando Torres scored Liverpool's second goal. He never treated me with the respect I deserved. But this season I have not played at all. "Yet even now they are talking about signing another centre half.". "When the coach says nothing to you and you are well, with no physical problems and training well, you cannot help but think it must be something personal. Rafael Benitez's last interview as Everton boss. Carl Lewis? I said: 'You need me now and I will always do my best. I scored against Atletico Madrid in the Europa League semi-final. I just tried to put the ball there and Ivanovic did the rest. Ill have Scott and a kid from the Academy. Due to this unbeaten run, Benitez was nominated for the Manager of the Month award. Goals from Casemiro and a deflection from Marcus Rashford put the Red Devils 2-0 up at half-time . "I have to finally tell Rafa I'm leaving because maybe he's not aware of it, he said. Youve got some instructions and tactics in your mind and yet hes shouting even more at you. [102][103] Real Madrid remained unbeaten in the league until a 32 loss at Sevilla in the 11th matchday. This was followed by a 40 home loss in the first Clsico of the season against Barcelona. If its the way I play or the way I am, fine. Still remember seeing him pull what appeared to be a tooth out of his mouth after colliding with a goalpost. In the next game, a 00 draw against Canada, he was injured in a hard tackle. Then, when we played Birmingham after I hadn't started a game for a month, he didn't tell me I was starting until two hours before the game. It was a permanent deal or nothing as far as he was concerned. [60] Despite criticism, Bentez guided Inter to win the FIFA Club World Cup in December 2010. The negotiations started. I couldn't say at the time, but I knew this was my last season at Liverpool and I wanted a special end. "But if I am not playing I have no chance of going to the World Cup, so I am trying to solve the problem so I at least have a small chance.''. Only the two men would truly be able to answer whether their relationship changed after that trip to the San Siro. However, like in Murphys case with Alonso and Garcia, Benitez could again claim to have made the right call as his decision to sideline Henchoz ultimately came hand-in-hand with the inspired switch to move Jamie Carragher back to centre-back, with the Liverpool legends own partnership with Hyypia usurping Houlliers previous duo. I have some offers. Benitez defence a stern test for Liverpool's attack. Which Liverpool player do you wish Rafa Benitez had never sold? But come the start of the season he didnt get a look in. Rafa Benitez's team lost 1-0 on both occasions to a Spurs XI each time . Liverpool paid 20m when signing Robbie Keane from Tottenham Hotspur in July 2009. Starting the following season strongly, his manager even called for him to be given an England call-up. [84], On 27 February 2013, following a 20 win at Middlesbrough in the FA Cup fifth-round, Bentez heavily criticised the Chelsea board for giving him the title of "interim manager" and the Chelsea fans for their protests against him. [22], Dudek's heroics in the final were not enough for him to stay as first-choice keeper, as newly signed Pepe Reina replaced him in from the start of the 200506 season. [100], Bentez announced that he would resign at the end of the 201415 season. I would be against myself if I made such a decision. "We have not had any talk about why it is. On the face of it, Yossi Benayouns relationship with Benitez was a pretty standard one with the Israel international proving himself to be an important player for Liverpool. He left the club by mutual consent in January 2021 before taking over as manager at Everton in June. Rafa just didnt understand. [6], In 1986, at the age of 26, Bentez returned to Real Madrid to join the club's coaching staff. Bentez, however, later explained this gesture: he said he had previously told Xabi Alonso to take a short free-kick. Thank you for your three years of service, now you can call your agent to do a deal with another club.' [78] This was followed by a 31 away victory to Sunderland, with Bentez presiding over his first league win as Chelsea manager. [3][4][5], In 1979, Bentez was selected to play for the Spain Youth U-19s at the World Student Games in Mexico City and he scored a penalty in the opening game, a 100 win against Cuba. [142], The tactic of zonal marking has been criticised by pundits when Liverpool concede from set-pieces[143] in spite of the fact that Bentez's squads are usually renowned for their defensive nature and low number of goals scored against them. When I look back I could have done things differently but at the same time I also think I could have got more guidance from the coaches.. If I leave the Reds, I would like to play in a team which would be at least at the same level as Liverpool in regard to playing in European competitions. In the blue corner, Kylian Mbappe stands tall as the undisputed champion of the world. I was in touch with Meier regularly and he told me Benitez wouldnt speak to him, but was saying Klns offer was unacceptable. Rafa Benitez has praised Liverpool teenager Stefan Bajcetic ahead of tonight's Champions League first leg clash with Real Madrid. Benitez came to Liverpool from the Spanish side Valencia on 16 June 2004 after the sacking of Gerard Houllier. By Will Rooney. He guided Segunda Divisin club Extremadura back to La Liga in his first season in the 199798 season, but the team was relegated the following season. Babel would remain a Liverpool player for another half a season after Benitezs exit, playing under his immediate successor Roy Hodgson before being sold by Kenny Dalglish to Hoffenheim in an 8m deal in January 2011. Vales time at Liverpool with Rafa Benitez will help a lot as DOnald adapts his system of high pressing possession football, which is enjoyed by both men. Benitez famously led Liverpool to the 2004-05 Champions League crown, and has twice won the UEFA Cup (Valencia, Chelsea). "I think he was the wrong manager at the wrong time for me. It was never really explained to me. The striker would join West Ham United in a 7.5m deal, as Benitez went on to replace him with Fernando Torres, before later returning to Liverpool in August 2011 and enjoying a more successful stint with his boyhood club under Kenny Dalglish. Home. I didnt know what to do, I didnt want to leave! The manager ignored me when I wanted to know why. "I think I was right as well because I saw Pellegrino play for Liverpool and I thought, 'yes, I could have done the job he did for them, at the very least'. Take it easy. Considering Liverpool were working on a limited budget when Benitez first took over as manager in the summer of 2004, its inevitable that he would have to force some players out to help raise funds for his own signings. Bajcetic has been one of the few positives for the Reds throughout a disappointing season and looks set for the biggest game of his career tonight. "On a psychological level, it was very hard because I restrained myself a lot. "Just sometimes, he might as well have turned a player into an Xbox, dressed me up like RoboCop and put a picture of my face on it. Also added was England defender Glen Johnson for a 17.5million fee. While at Real, Bentez also gained his coaching certificate in 1989 and in the summer of 1990 taught at a football camp at the University of California in Davis, California. Rafa Benitez. After that I did another interview and said that I have to be my first critic. Get all the latest Liverpool breaking news, team news, transfer rumours, injury updates plus analysis of what's next for the Reds. The 50-year-old, who only took charge 18 months ago, finished 15 points c After leaving Valencia, Benitez moved to English club Liverpool of the Premier League, guiding the club to victory in the UEFA Champions League in 2005. - Heart stops when I see the draw for the semi finals of the league and we drew Cardiff. "You see that the team are not doing well and there are no changes. A week-and-a-half later and there was no progress. Looking back, I do appreciate honesty from managers. An FA Cup winner the following year, Cisse did feature fairly regularly in 2005/06 but often found himself utilised out of position or as a substitute. [119] On 23 January 2021, Bentez left the club by mutual consent, citing concerns over the health and wellbeing of his family due to the COVID-19 pandemic as a reason for his departure. Claiming Liverpool were sinking ship under Benitez in March 2010, he said: "I've been here two years and I know how he (Benitez) is. At half-time of the Champions League final, Benitez's Reds were 3-0 . [12], On 16 June 2004, Bentez was appointed manager of Liverpool, replacing Grard Houllier, becoming the first Spaniard to manage in the Premier League. [139] Bentez often plays key players in unorthodox positions to suit a formation notably converting both Steven Gerrard (in the 200506 season) and Dirk Kuyt into right-wingers. As soon as training had finished I stormed over to him and ripped my gloves off in an aggressive manner. He smiled at me from behind his desk. 134 appearances and 29 goals would seemingly demonstrate that. Mr Benitez relinquishes his position as team manager after six years and the Board of Directors would. It's a little frustrating because you see that you can help. We were sitting in his office, just about to sign, and he showed me a picture of me shouting at a player! A "sell to buy" policy enforced by the ownership due to increasing debt, combined with Alonso's departure, prompted discontent amongst considerable sections of the club's fanbase who believed Bentez was not being backed sufficiently in the transfer market. Having just witnessed arguably the most stunning comeback in the competition's history, when Rafa Benitez's unfancied side had fought back from 3-0 down to a world-class AC Milan outfit to win on . [citation needed], Bentez was unable to win any trophies as Liverpool's domestic campaign falter in the winter months including a shock FA Cup exit at home to Barnsley, with his side losing to Chelsea in the Champions League semi-finals. Project Runway Season 9 Finalist, Fashion Designer: famous for my pants! [117] However, in an interview with The Athletic in December 2020, Bentez stated he was left no choice but to leave the role due to disagreements with Ashley, describing him as "a businessman who I don't believe really cares about his team. Liverpool fans were seen singing his name during the side's. In 2000, he was appointed manager of Tenerife of the Segunda Divisin and with a team that included Mista, Curro Torres and Luis Garca, he gained promotion to La Liga by finishing third in the league behind Sevilla and Real Betis. Frankly, I am proud of that. Surely I couldnt stay if I gave him a smack? He also worked as a commentator/analyst for Eurosport, Marca, El Mundo and local Madrid TV. Im still trying to come to terms with the disappointment of whats just happened and now you tell me you want to get rid of me. But after being sent off in a Champions League clash with Porto in September 2007 and suffering an injury against Besiktas, his fortunes turned and he fell down the pecking order after being unable to regain his place or recapture his earlier form. He spoke a lot to us to change the intensity." Were going to buy another striker, he said. LIVE Transfer Talk: Man United monitoring Lewandowski's future. The manager had the option to choose between Dutch. Wed just lost the Champions League final. The young Dutchman enjoyed an impressive first season at Anfield under Benitez, but would later find himself often out of favour under the Spaniard as his starting opportunities in the following years. For the second consecutive season, he was named UEFA Manager of the Year. I tried to plead with him a little bit, and he repeated the fact that my time was done, really, in his own way. The only problem was the media, he insisted. [40], Prior to Bentez's final season at Liverpool, Xabi Alonso, one of the key members of Bentez's squad, was sold to Real Madrid following a lengthy pursuit in a deal reportedly worth 30million. Rafael Benitez is set to be appointed as Everton's new manager next week after the former Liverpool boss agreed key aspects of his contract with the club. [86] Results continued to be mixed, and at one point Chelsea found themselves 16 points behind league leaders Manchester United, having been just four behind when Bentez was appointed. Rafa didnt mince his words. "It was for the Champions League quarter-final squad against Inter," Alonso said. Craig Bellamy joined Liverpool from Blackburn Rovers in a 6m deal in June 2006. Then he told him who were coming in for me Tottenham, Charlton and Everton. He moved away from Real Madrid in 1995, but management spells at Real Valladolid and Osasuna were short-lived and unsuccessful. They wanted to take me on loan for six months, for which Liverpool would get 800,000, then complete a permanent 3m transfer in the summer if they avoided relegation. I certainly had no complaints about that. If your player didn't start or saw a red card, or you picked the wrong player, captain, or other, this is the place to share all your rants. Despite heavy criticism from the English press[141] Bentez persisted with the reward of a Champions League and FA Cup triumph in his first two seasons. [citation needed], However, Liverpool's poor results in the New Year led to a sharper focus on Bentez, who had missed Liverpool's draw at Arsenal in December due to an operation to remove kidney stones. He did, however, meet the fitness instructor Pako Ayestarn at the club, and went on to form a partnership with him at several clubs for the next decade. "[14], One of Bentez's first tasks at Liverpool was to convince club captain Steven Gerrard not to move to Chelsea. And I remember thinking, oh my, this is going to be trouble, this is going to be difficult for me'. [105] At the time of his dismissal, Real were third in La Liga, four points behind leaders Atltico Madrid and two points behind arch-rivals Barcelona, the latter of whom had a game in hand. [81] Chelsea progressed to the League Cup semi-finals with a 51 win over Leeds United at Elland Road and then recorded an 80 win over Aston Villa, equalling their record top-flight victory. "With Rafa, it is all about himself. It was suggested that Bentez's position was now under serious threat. Re: Half time: Liverpool 0-0 Wolves. Xabi Alonsos relationship with Benitez is a curious one. "[118], On 2 July 2019, Bentez was appointed manager of Chinese Super League side Dalian Professional (formerly Dalian Yifang), signing a two-and-a-half-year deal. Former Liverpool player and Chile international Mark Gonzalez has suffered from a heart attack and is currently in hospital recovering, as confirmed by his wife. [106], On 11 March 2016, Bentez was appointed as the manager of relegation threatened Newcastle United, signing on an initial three-year deal. I played all of last year, and sometimes if I did not play so well in one game, I would still play the next week. While Premier League Team A vs Premier League Team B is meant to be the main attraction of the Sky Sports show . Xabi Alonso, Luis Garcia they won the Champions League that following season and he was justified.. Former Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez has sent the Magpies a heart-warming message on Twitter after their defeat in the Carabao cup final. "I'm not one of these players that likes to sit around on the bench and just pick my money up. This is a player who had spent time in prison and played in the Premier League wearing an electronic tag after all. He also played a further three games for the Spain Universities XI. It was a really emotional moment for me. "And maybe, after 10 days training with him, well, that's when I started asking questions. But dont tell me you need pace. Being told youre no longer wanted at Liverpool by Rafa that was a tough one, he told TalkSPORT. [citation needed], Bentez has also had confrontations with Sam Allardyce when he was manager of Newcastle United and Blackburn Rovers. We use your sign-up to provide content in the ways you've consented to and improve our understanding of you. This is the place to moan and discuss about every single thing that happened in games and with your team. I agreed to join Chelsea before Roy Hodgson was appointed Liverpool's new manager. End of story.". By Will Rooney 17th Jan 2022, 2:32pm Former Everton medical chief Dan Donachie has appeared to have taken a swipe at Rafa Benitez after he was axed as manager. On each occasion I had accepted the challenge and emerged victorious from it. Classy timing'.". Or when Bentez takes me off during a game even if I haven't used up all my energy on the pitch. However, the current Blues boss has taken . The injury saw him sidelined for a year and hampered his chances of becoming a major player. Given Benitezs reputation as one who cannot call upon humane man-management as one of his skills, it is understandable why it is believed their relationship broke down from that moment. Writing in his autobiography, he described the Spaniard as the "most difficult" manager he played for, criticising him over his lack of man-management skills, claiming he only ever had one proper conversation with him. In February 2007, he was caught up in a drunken fight with team-mate John Arne Riise. Liverpool transfer news, rumours, gossip and speculation including updates on Roberto Firmino, Manuel Locatelli, Naby Keita and Mason Mount. "I would like to be here for the rest of my career, but players live to play. When I scored, I still expected to be out of the team the next game. Yet, the Spaniard is not a monster. "[39] With ten wins in their last 11 games, Liverpool finished the season on a high, finishing second in the league for the first time under Bentez, four points off champions Manchester United, with Liverpool playing an attractive brand of attacking football at odds with the side that struggled through the winter months. You can't treat a player like this and expect him to be happy. In 1997, he joined another Segunda Divisin side, Extremadura, and this time led them to promotion, finishing second in the table behind Alavs after winning 23 out of 42 games.
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