[23], Bentez's signings helped the club's Premiership form improve considerably. 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. Which Liverpool player do you wish Rafa Benitez had never sold? Craig Bellamy joined Liverpool from Blackburn Rovers in a 6m deal in June 2006. I spent six months with Liverpool hardly getting a game. [44] Bentez defended his decisions, arguing Liverpool's slow start was due to key players such as Steven Gerrard being below par.[45]. Rafa Benitez at the Run for the 96 5K in Stanley Park, Liverpool (Image: Liverpool Echo) But being a born winner is just one part of Benitez's multi-layered appeal. Bentez, however, later explained this gesture: he said he had previously told Xabi Alonso to take a short free-kick. Connect with Liverpool fans from around the world in our official supporters group. This is a player who had spent time in prison and played in the Premier League wearing an electronic tag after all. Steven Gerrard, who was linked with a big money move to Chelsea, needed to be convinced . [47] It was suggested that this Liverpool team was missing Bentez's characteristic defensive rigidity[48] despite the fact that only Manchester United and Chelsea conceded fewer goals than Liverpool, and lacked the necessary depth to cope with injuries to key players such as Gerrard and Fernando Torres while Bentez's decision making was called into question. Released at the end of his contract, he signed for Real Zaragoza in the summer of 2009 on a free transfer and has repeatedly slammed Benitez in the years that have followed. After defeating Bayer Leverkusen and Juventus with the aid of some bold team selections by Bentez, Liverpool faced Chelsea in the semi-final. "I just thought, 'am I so bad that they want me to leave and they want him?'. John Barnes is more worried about Manchester United coming to Liverpool on Sunday than he has been in recent times. [12], On 16 June 2004, Bentez was appointed manager of Liverpool, replacing Grard Houllier, becoming the first Spaniard to manage in the Premier League. [138] His calm demeanour and tactical changes at half time of the 2005 UEFA Champions League Final were said to give players belief they could battle back from 30 down, although he had to correct his plans when it was pointed out to him his new formation would require 12 players on the pitch. I just tried to put the ball there and Ivanovic did the rest. Liverpool actually failed to find a buyer for Riera before Benitez left the club in the summer of 2010, but he was sold by successor Roy Hodgson to Olympiacos that July in a 5m deal. The Czech Republic international had had suspicions that he wasnt part of Benitezs long-term plans, and reports at the time suggested he had threatened to walk out of the team hotel after finding out he had been benched for the 2005 League Cup final. "I was never given a chance and that hurts. However, time heals all wounds and Cisse was a lot more positive about Benitez when speaking exclusively to the ECHO back in February this year. Such a revelation damaged Bentez's relations with the Americans, with constant rumours linking the Spaniard with a move back to Real Madrid. He left the club in June 2019 and the following month was appointed manager of Chinese Super League club Dalian Professional. [95], In his first season in charge, Bentez guided the club to victory in the Coppa Italia, defeating Fiorentina 31 in the final,[96] and into the last 16 of the Europa League, exiting after a 32 aggregate defeat to Porto. "When you have so many instructions, it makes it so difficult. All I ever wanted to do is just to play football.". 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. [18], In the Champions League, however, Liverpool fared differently. And whatever the reason, it is clear there was a breakdown in their relationship which ultimately ended with the midfielder signing for Real Madrid. [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. Ill get 800,000, great, but I cant spend it today and Ill be five months without an experienced reserve goalkeeper. [34], In a sign of the increasingly strained relationship between the Liverpool manager and his board, Bentez was reportedly close to quitting Liverpool in the summer of 2008 over the board's failure to back him in his bid to purchase Gareth Barry from Aston Villa. Some things are more important than football and I had the full support of the club. Rafael Benitez has told Jurgen Klopp which team he should pick for Liverpool's huge Champions League clash against Real Madrid. But, with Rafa, the training was so boring that youd come in and all youd want to do was slit your wrists! The 37-year-old, who retired at the end of an unsuccessful Ashes tour of England in 2015, said he would consider returning in any capacity to help out Cricket Australia (CA)."I would do anything to 419HbFo help the Australian cricket team," he told Australia's Daily Telegraph newspaper on Sunday. [69][70][71] He appointed Boudewijn Zenden as his new assistant manager at Chelsea on the same day. Bentez stands by his tactic, pointing out that teams who man-mark concede just as many, if not more, goals from set pieces. Only the two men would truly be able to answer whether their relationship changed after that trip to the San Siro. Join our group for FREE by clicking here! [147][146] Francisco died in December 2005 while Bentez was in Japan for the FIFA Club World Championship. When I scored, I still expected to be out of the team the next game. increasingly disappointed. Three days before the transfer window closed I went in to see him again Relax, Jerzy, theres still time, but we want a permanent deal, but Meier was telling me that Rafa was still refusing to take his calls! [102][103] Real Madrid remained unbeaten in the league until a 32 loss at Sevilla in the 11th matchday. [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. ", "Why Liverpool's Rafa Benitez is a master tactician", "Jamie Carragher: What really happened at half-time in Istanbul", "Rafa Benitez is the man behind Steven Gerrard's 100", "The cult of permanent rotation blights Bentez's bid for title", "Liverpool's demise against Chelsea the fault of Rafael Benitez's zonal marking", "RT Sport: Benitez stands by zonal marking", "Atltico fans ensure home is where the hatred is for Bentez", "Benitez to stay with Liverpool despite loss of father", "Montserrat Seara: "En nuestra primera cita Rafa me explic el 4-4-2", "Juventus seeking to prise Rafael Bentez away from Liverpool", "Rafa Benitez learned English listening to The Beatles and reveals man who inspired him to be manager", "Rafael Benitez replaces Roberto Di Matteo as Chelsea manager", "AD Parla: el tesoro que esconde Los Prados, el estadio en el que Rafa Bentez deslumbr como futbolista", "Rafael Benitez named Sky Bet Championship Manager of the Month", Complete management career stats at Liverpool-kop.com, Rafael Bentez management career statistics, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Rafael_Bentez&oldid=1140350114, *Club domestic league appearances and goals, This page was last edited on 19 February 2023, at 18:18. Benitez tried to break me like he broke Riera. It was a permanent deal or nothing as far as he was concerned. I felt so unhappy but, out of respect to the club, I never spoke out. For a player to really be at his best you have to give him a certain confidence, but I did not feel appreciated by some people at Liverpool, he told the Mirror. [15] He was unable, however, to convince Michael Owen to extend his contract; he was subsequently sold to Real Madrid. He said, "I was hoping for a sofa [a defender] and they've brought me a lamp [Fabin Canobbio]," in reference to the positions he wanted to be strengthened. 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. Joshua Askew -. End of story.". 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. The Spaniard is expected to sign his. [133], Bentez has developed a reputation in English football as a hard man to please, with former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard admitting he longed for a "well done" from Bentez after good performances. He was highly regarded for his tactical acumen[136][137] particularly in European ties, setting his team up to exploit opposition weaknesses. I can do the 100 metres in less than 11 seconds. Other semi final Wolves V Southampton. Despite the lack of silverware, the main talking points were off the pitch, with Bentez in the middle of a power struggle with the Liverpool board. On the winning goal scored by Branislav Ivanovi, Juan Mata said, "Rafa told us we had to aim to the far post, because it was Artur's weakest place. I was in touch with Meier regularly and he told me Benitez wouldnt speak to him, but was saying Klns offer was unacceptable. In January 2008, Riise would score an own goal against Luton Town in the FA Cup after failing to defend a cross coming in from the right. Take part in our Liverpool FC 'Keep or Sell' survey: While Murphy was moved on straight away, it was a different story for Stephane Henchoz. This means that we may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. Katie Smith, who is studying at Leeds University, was crowned as the 2017 winner of the David Welch Student Sportswriter of the Year at the Sports Journalists Association awards in London on Monday night. [92] Benitez didn't take part in the lap of honour after the match, but many fans showed their appreciation for his efforts during the season, a notable contrast to the hostile reception he received before. The manager understood my decision., Meanwhile, Benitez told his player: "When he is born, you call me and we decide. Liverpool fans were seen singing his name during the side's. Sign up here - it only takes a few seconds! This is the place to moan and discuss about every single thing that happened in games and with your team. 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. I was so angry that the lads said later the aggression was pouring out of me. I am still very upset. Liverpools hero in Istanbul for the 2005 Champions League final, Jerzy Dudeks reward was to be relegated to the clubs back-up goalkeeper just months later following the arrival of Pepe Reina. I say by myself on the plane back to England the next day. The. "He thinks he's in charge and everything else falls on deaf ears. The no-nonsense former Liverpool boss might have been criticised by former players for not being the warmest of man-managers, but in the past he has tended to get results. [19], In a classic final, dubbed the Miracle of Istanbul, Liverpool came from 30 down at half time to level the score at 33 in the space of just six minutes, eventually triumphing 32 on penalties with the assistance of goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek. Benitez just shook his head Id got the sack, plain and simple. I didnt know what to do, I didnt want to leave! What are your plans for next season? he said. 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. At first, I thought maybe he was going actually coming to justify his decision to leave me out. https://bit.ly/3Im9yA30:09 - Intro 0:16 - 4-2-3-1, how it transitions and roles out of possession 5:03 - In possession: Number. "[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. During the 199697 season, Bentez took charge at Osasuna in the Segunda Divisin, but after only nine games and one win, he was dismissed. The negotiations started. It was suggested that Bentez's position was now under serious threat. 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. Liverpool finished third in the league, missing out on second place by one point. Mauricio Pochettino 'SACKED by PSG after agreeing to terminate contract' just months after Ligue 1 triumph,MAURICIO POCHETTINO has reportedly been sacked by Paris Saint-Germain after he reached a severance agreement with the club. infiniti qx80 indicator lights. It was just a case of his manager no longer wanting him in his squad, with the defender going on to sign for Roma in 4m deal. The. Riera would later blame the media for the breakdown in his relationship with Benitez when speaking to Anfield HQ in 2016. [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. Whether it was wrong or right to let him go or whether his time in charge of Liverpool could be considered a success or not . Extremadura only survived one season in La Liga, however, and were relegated in 1999 after finishing 17th and losing a play-off to Rayo Vallecano. Yes, I would have if I were not present at the delivery. Classy timing'.". It means that, suddenly, you mess up with a simple pass because your mind is all over the place. 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. I had great contracts on the table, and choices of managers who really wanted me and that made me feel good. He left the club, and coached Tenerife in 2000, winning promotion in his only season. Three months later he would do the exact same against Chelsea in the Champions League semi-finals, gifting the Londoners what would prove to be a decisive 90th minute away goal. He also brought in both Mista from his former club and Francisco Rufete from Mlaga, with Mista going on to become top goalscorer for Valencia with 19 goals in the 200304 season. Former Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez has sent the Magpies a heart-warming message on Twitter after their defeat in the Carabao cup final. By Will Rooney. 20th Sep 2022, 7:39am. [114], On 24 June 2019, Newcastle announced that Bentez would step down as Manager upon the expiration of his contract, and he departed the club on 30 June 2019. [134] Bentez's ruthlessness can also be seen in the way he disposed of all but Gerrard and Jamie Carragher from his Champions League winning squad within four seasons, with penalty shoot-out hero Jerzy Dudek made back-up goalkeeper the very season after the European triumph. "Right now the only market open is the Russian one, I have offers from two teams and, looking at my situation, that has made me reflect a lot.". Being told youre no longer wanted at Liverpool by Rafa that was a tough one, he told TalkSPORT. [145], Bentez's father, Francisco, worked as a hotelier. A horrific broken leg derailed the Frenchmans first season with the club, though he would return to help them win the Champions League in 2005. ", 'Pubs need to adapt' if they are going to survive the times ahead, "Although we are living during a cost-of-living crisis people still do have money. He returned to Italy in 2013 to coach Napoli, where he won the Coppa Italia and Supercoppa Italiana. "Pollard � 419aTEJ continues to recover from a knee injury sustained late last year and Roach is still trying to get over a shoulder injury that forced him to return home from the tour of India without playing and required surgery."West Indies won the last edition of the tournament in 2012 after beating hosts Sri Lanka in the final in Colombo. Fully fit again in time for Benitezs arrival, he featured throughout pre-season and even scored in a friendly vs Celtic. According to Santiago Caizares, the squad was initially surprised but they were immediately won over by his modesty as he presented himself as quoted: "You come from the Champions League final and I come from Segunda Divisin, but humbly I think I have tools to make you improve". Down to 9 men we go on the attack and with a Jean Makoun . I looked at him. Not only was he a brilliant coach but he is a very sharp, savvy businessman. "It is good for Liverpool that Benitez has gone, but it was too late for me. Maybe I will never swallow it. "As a player, you just want a bit of fun, to make training good and lively. However, Club Director Javier Subirats recognised the potential of Bentez and campaigned for his appointment. Liverpool finished the calendar year top of the Premier League for the first time since 1996. I couldn't say at the time, but I knew this was my last season at Liverpool and I wanted a special end. The man management was down to his staff. But the media was not interested anymore. That exchange took place just days into his Liverpool career and involved Benitez asking him to write down his misdemeanours and faults. The situation is said to be dire and Leach may have suffered seizures. I havent played all season. "I have not said I am going to leave Liverpool. You listen to his former team-mates and all say the Spaniards relationship with his compatriot completely broke down during his final season at Liverpool, before putting in a transfer request and leaving for Real Madrid in a 30m deal in the summer of 2009. [94] Bentez agreed a two-year contract after meeting club president Aurelio De Laurentiis in London. I would be against myself if I made such a decision. He smiled at me from behind his desk. [125], Everton's form declined in the following months, and after a 21 defeat to bottom-placed Norwich City at Carrow Road, Benitez was relieved of his duties on 16 January 2022 after six-and-a-half months in charge, with Everton in 15th place, six points above the relegation zone, having lost nine of their previous 13 games. 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. "There are many examples of him treating me badly. I know everyone working there will be a lot happier and I believe Roy Hodgson is a good choice. Rafa Benitez. Yet he scored just one Premier League goal in the second half of the season and was sold to Aston Villa in the summer of 2005, starting his final game for the Reds as they famously beat AC Milan to win the Champions League. And I would like to play there constantly.". [8], In 2001, Bentez was appointed coach of Valencia, replacing Hctor Cper. With all info about the gameweek - lineups, bonus, and . 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. Loved the details Riise gave of the Bellamy fiasco; that when he showed up the day after (to basics fight Bellamy), Agger went with him and had his back. "I will remember Liverpool fondly as a success but not the situation I've found myself in. At half-time of the Champions League final, Benitez's Reds were 3-0 . Usain Bolt? I still dont know his real reasons. "Rafa is a top manager and he's proven that. [89] This made Bentez only the second manager after Giovanni Trapattoni to have won the UEFA Cup/Europa League with two different teams, and Chelsea became the fourth club overall and first in Britain to have won all three major European trophies. "[14], One of Bentez's first tasks at Liverpool was to convince club captain Steven Gerrard not to move to Chelsea. Liverpool were hit with budget restrictions in 2006, and then-reds boss Benitez was only given 10 million to spend on a right-midfielder. [55] On 27 August 2010 in Monaco, Inter lost to Atltico Madrid in the 2010 UEFA Super Cup. Benitez spent six years as Liverpool manager, winning the Champions League in 2005 and reaching the final of the competition in 2007. I tried to plead with him a little bit, and he repeated the fact that my time was done, really, in his own way. A week-and-a-half later and there was no progress. Commenting on Benitez's touchline instructions, he said: "On the pitch, often I can see whats best. If they go down Ill come back to Liverpool and stay until my contract ends or you can sell me then. After so many years, thats something wonderful that stays in your memory forever". But perhaps because Benitez believes in an element of. "It was such a bad season for me. Rafa Benitez & Jamie Carragher on how Liverpool won the Champions League in 2005 Sky Sports Premier League 1.1M views 3 years ago Simon Jordan SLAMS Rafa Benitez for making out his. But to this day I still think I should have stayed. It was a bit frustrating not playing Inter, but I had to be with my family at the time, he said. He was doing his job, I get that, but it was hard. Something went wrong, please try again later. "And maybe, after 10 days training with him, well, that's when I started asking questions. ". The thinking fan's Chelsea blog. [25] Bentez swiftly issued a statement through the club's website re-affirming his desire to remain with Liverpool for the long term. The French hit-man was booked for pulling his shirt over . In February 2007, he was caught up in a drunken fight with team-mate John Arne Riise. In the blue corner, Kylian Mbappe stands tall as the undisputed champion of the world. "It was for the Champions League quarter-final squad against Inter," Alonso said. My objective is to go to the World Cup and for this I have to play. 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. [53] On 15 June 2010, Bentez was presented to the Italian media for the first time after signing a two-year deal. Rafael Bentez Maudes (born 16 April 1960) is a Spanish professional football manager and former player who most recently managed Premier League club Everton.. Bentez joined Real Madrid's coaching staff at the age of 26, going on to work as the under-19 and reserve team coach, and assistant manager for the senior team. When Allardyce was manager of Newcastle, he suggested Bentez would have been dismissed had Liverpool's European form been as bad as their league form. Bentez speaking in 2020 on winning the 2005 Champions League Final. It was a really emotional moment for me. Jurgen Klopp's respect for Rafa Benitez spotted during Liverpool's thrashing of Everton LIVERPOOL beat city rivals Everton 4-1 at Goodison Park on Wednesday night. Also added was England defender Glen Johnson for a 17.5million fee. I knew I had to get away from Benitez. Liverpool won't get a penny. An unused substitute for the 2007 Champions League final, he was informed by Benitez on the flight home that he had no future with the club. History repeated itself in the final as they then went on to lift the trophy after a penalty shoot-out, following a dramatic 33 draw. When that starts happening, you have to assume it is something personal, rather than professional. This was followed by a 40 home loss in the first Clsico of the season against Barcelona. Gillett declared himself delighted with the manager of his new investment, as Bentez overcame his domestic difficulties to lead Liverpool to another Champions League final. [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. [85] He described his relationship with Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich as "excellent" and expressed his desire to remain as Chelsea manager until the end of the season. [97] Napoli finished third in Serie A in 201314 to qualify for the next season's Champions League. "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. I've certainly never said a bad word about him as a manager, I thought he was top, Keane told The Football Show on Sky Sports last year. ", "Sammy Lee back as Liverpool assistant coach", "Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez and chief exec Rick Parry call a truce", "Never Walk Alone? This is nonsense and it is a fabrication that I wanted to leave the stadium. Bentez was appointed as manager of Newcastle United in March 2016 in an attempt to save the club from relegation. After his success with the U19s, Bentez then succeeded Garca Remn at the start of the 199394 season. [62][63] On 23 December 2010, just five days after bringing Inter to the triumph, Bentez was dismissed by Inter.