I hadnt got on. "I was furious with him, absolutely fuming, and in my head I could hear a devilish voice saying punch him in the face punch him in the face and hell let you go to Germany. Wed just lost the Champions League final. But I want Liverpool fans to know the truth and for them to know I made up my mind to leave a long time ago because of Benitez. Given his past, the manager was a controversial choice. Bentez left the club "by mutual consent" on 3 June 2010[50] with a reported 6million pay-off;[51] the media speculated that this was because the team had finished seventh in the Premier League, missing out on the Champions League, and suffered poor results, including the defeat by Wigan Athletic. Fab was our best player that half, which is some sort of comfort. 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. He moved away from Real Madrid in 1995, but management spells at Real Valladolid and Osasuna were short-lived and unsuccessful. [135], Bentez's preferred formation is a 4231 which he adopted during his time at Valencia and Liverpool. Liverpool: Jurgen Klopp sent Real Madrid message by Rafa Benitez While Premier League Team A vs Premier League Team B is meant to be the main attraction of the Sky Sports show . All of a sudden youre confused. [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. On each occasion I had accepted the challenge and emerged victorious from it. "It was such a bad season for me. Bentez also gave new life to existing Liverpool players, transforming Jamie Carragher from a utility player to one of Europe's top centre backs alongside Sami Hyypi. Malcolm Macdonald in a rare Newcastle United attack during the ill-fated FA Cup final against Liverpool on May 4, 1974 . But the players he brought in werent bad, were they? 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. After Liverpool again defeated Chelsea in the semi-final, this time on penalties, Gillett stated, "Rafa has been tremendous We knew of him but I don't think we realized how good he was, and not just as a coach. It was as if the fans' reaction worked against me. The former Liverpool manager remains a top defensive mind but will have his work cut out for him when he brings his Newcastle side to Anfield. "No-one's shown me any respect and Rafael Bentez, since his arrival, has treated me as if I was the dumbest of the dumb. "I have still not swallowed it. Starting the following season strongly, his manager even called for him to be given an England call-up. Benitez just shook his head Id got the sack, plain and simple. I had really to become an adult very quick and adapt. [82] They subsequently lost 10 at home to 20th-placed Queens Park Rangers[83] in the Premier League and were knocked out of the League Cup semi-finals by underdogs Swansea City 20 on aggregate. The only problem was the media, he insisted. "We have not had any talk about why it is. We were sitting in his office, just about to sign, and he showed me a picture of me shouting at a player! 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. 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. At first, I thought maybe he was going actually coming to justify his decision to leave me out. 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. I should have stayed a bit longer and trusted myself, I should have. See you on Wednesday.. A controversial early goal in the second leg from Luis Garca saw Liverpool win 10 on aggregate and reach the final against Milan. [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. "Rafa is a top manager and he's proven that. Bentez is fluent in Spanish, English, French and Italian. "[14], One of Bentez's first tasks at Liverpool was to convince club captain Steven Gerrard not to move to Chelsea. 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. 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. Meanwhile in an interview with the Independent, he said: He (Benitez) promised me certain things at this time to help me develop which I thought was the same as Ajax but at a different pace. Liverpool FC today confirmed that Rafael Benitez is to leave the club by mutual consent. My objective is to go to the World Cup and for this I have to play. In terms of team instructions I think you nailed it. In 1981, Bentez joined Tercera Divisin side Parla. He told me I was a better player as a substitute instead of starting in the team. It was a privilege for me to play for such a great club in front of great fans. I miss all that a little.". 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. 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. Key players missed much of the season through injury and Liverpool failed to challenge Chelsea and Arsenal for the league title, finishing fifth. Gary Neville vs Jamie Carragher is often the best part of Monday Night Football.. And it appears that such a deterioration stemmed from the midfielder missing the Reds trip to the San Siro to face Inter Milan in March 2008 to be present for the birth of his child, with Benitez trying to sell Alonso the following summer to help fund a move for Gareth Barry. All I ever wanted to do is just to play football.". . I certainly had no complaints about that. Rafael Benitez | Liverpool FC Wiki | Fandom I spent six months with Liverpool hardly getting a game. [citation needed], In 200304 season, Valencia won La Liga with three games to spare and beat Marseille 20 in the UEFA Cup final. Despite their best efforts, the Toon were beaten by six minutes worth of Manchester United attack. The injury saw him sidelined for a year and hampered his chances of becoming a major player. I can do the 100 metres in less than 11 seconds. [126] With his sacking, Benitez became the fifth Everton manager to lose his job in the previous six years. [60] Despite criticism, Bentez guided Inter to win the FIFA Club World Cup in December 2010. Pennant simply wrote "GIRLS" in capital letters - and it was downhill for him from there. Liverpool finished. Rafa just didnt understand. [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. Goals from Casemiro and a deflection from Marcus Rashford put the Red Devils 2-0 up at half-time . The 50-year-old, who only took charge 18 months ago, finished 15 points c This view was later supported by Sir Alex Ferguson. If you want to go and speak to other clubs, thats fine'. Bentez, however, did reach his first English domestic cup final, losing the League Cup final against Chelsea at the Millennium Stadium 32 after extra time.[17]. After he ignored me for a long time, he needed me for Europe when Ryan Babel was suspended. Ex-Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez linked with managerial return after Everton sacking. I got more and more frustrated with him until transfer deadline day when I finally boiled over. [12], On 16 June 2004, Bentez was appointed manager of Liverpool, replacing Grard Houllier, becoming the first Spaniard to manage in the Premier League. Richard Keys launches withering attack on 'agent' Rafa Benitez over [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. I havent played all season. He spoke a lot to us to change the intensity." If they come back today to buy you, they need to double their offer as this is the last day of the transfer window.. Liverpool vs Everton: Rafa Benitez makes honest admission ahead of "Once you reached that euphoria that satisfaction and happiness, you enjoy the moment and see everything around you, all the red with so many people with so much passion. The manager ignored me when I wanted to know why. Olivia Shears and Katie Whyatt were highly commended in an historic one-two-three: it was the first time in the competition's history [] "Everyone asks me why I left Liverpool," he told the News of the World.. "There is only one reason - Rafa Benitez. We discuss a first half that was below par, and the goals we conceded, as well as Bukayo Saka's brilliant equaliser. I looked at him. "I keep a fantastic memory of England, even if I still hold a grudge on the coach," he told L'Equipe Magazine. Plenty predicted that Benitez's name would be sung at Anfield more than Goodison and so it proved. Bentez argued he needed to rotate his small squad to ensure key players were fit for the latter stages of these knockout competitions. And while there werent particularly any cross words with his manager, he did make a reluctant exit at the end of that season after being told his services were no longer required. Former Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez linked with managerial return after Other semi final Wolves V Southampton. Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez leaves by mutual consent Bentez also quickly discarded Vladimr micer and Igor Bian, who played key roles in the European success but seemingly did not figure in Bentez's long-term plans. So I asked who he was going to sign. I knew I had to get away from Benitez. Real Madrid B were then playing in the Segunda Divisin and on 4 September 1993, he made his debut as a Segunda Divisin manager with a 31 over Hrcules. [8], Bentez subsequently quit Extremadura and took a year off from football to study in England and Italy. 'Rafa was a nightmare' - 13 players who left Liverpool after falling His dialogue with the players is practically nil. Maybe I will never swallow it. Im not a defensive midfielder. Rafa Benitez. Everton won four of their first six league games under Benitez, taking 13 points from a possible 18, but their form has collapsed since October. "I had to be with my partner. [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. [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. I have some offers. Rafael Benitez's last interview as Everton boss. 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. Looking back, I do appreciate honesty from managers. READ MORE: Naby Keita shows 'humbled' James Maddison how Liverpool situation has changed, READ MORE: Jurgen Klopp will already fear worst for crunch Chelsea clash as Liverpool myth exposed. [31] It later emerged that Jrgen Klinsmann had been offered Bentez's job before eventually accepting the post of Bayern Munich manager. Connect with Liverpool fans from around the world in our official supporters group. I've got two or three possibilities already and things are starting to move behind the scenes.". The euphoria of lifting the European Cup 15 years ago today is a feeling Rafael Benitez will never forget. Given Bellamys reputation, you can imagine these were not the only occasions when the duo failed to see eye to eye. When that starts happening, you have to assume it is something personal, rather than professional. In 2002, these tactics saw Bentez lead Valencia to their first La Liga title in 31 years, winning it by a seven-point margin over second-placed Deportivo La Corua. 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. The centre-back had been first-choice under Houllier, forming a brilliant partnership alongside Sami Hyypia, and its no coincidence that Liverpools form under the Frenchman faltered when the Switzerland international endured prolonged periods on the sidelines through injury. "I have not said I am going to leave Liverpool. I want to know.. Benitez did far more. Usain Bolt? Rafael Benitez predicted, in this very space, on Tuesday morning, precisely where the risk lay when it came to Liverpool v Real Madrid. [15] He was unable, however, to convince Michael Owen to extend his contract; he was subsequently sold to Real Madrid. Rafa Benitez shares what could be key to deciding Liverpool v Real Madrid [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. 'You own the f****** club' - Istanbul story captures humility of Mauricio Pochettino 'SACKED by PSG after agreeing to terminate contract But, with Rafa, the training was so boring that youd come in and all youd want to do was slit your wrists! Rafael Bentez Maudes (born 16 April 1960) is a Spanish professional football manager and former player who most recently managed Premier League club Everton. 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. He was dismissed in January 2022 after a run where Everton lost 9 out of 13 games. Shortly after his departure from Anfield, Bentez made a 96,000 donation to the Hillsborough Family Support Group. Enjoy it. 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. "All players want to play in such great matches and I had been playing regularly before the Carling Cup final. [62][63] On 23 December 2010, just five days after bringing Inter to the triumph, Bentez was dismissed by Inter. "You see that the team are not doing well and there are no changes. After everything the coach has put me through, I'm not going to give him that parting gift (of a fee). This was followed by a 40 home loss in the first Clsico of the season against Barcelona. He left the club, and coached Tenerife in 2000, winning promotion in his only season. But dont tell me you need pace. He moved away from Real Madrid in 1995, but management spells at Real . Rafa came to sit next to me, he recalled in his 2013 autobiography. GALLERY: Rafa Benitez's Liverpool years in pictures View gallery In 2013 he headed to Mexico to take over at Estudiantes Tecos and then last August he landed the job at Maccabi Tel Aviv in. [69][70][71] He appointed Boudewijn Zenden as his new assistant manager at Chelsea on the same day. 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. Not quite fitting into the Reds favoured system, failing to forge a successful partnership with Fernando Torres and not being suited to lead the line when the Spaniard was injured all contributed to his premature departure. He could never let me do my thing. Im not James Milner, who keeps it simple. It was the same for me. Bentez said, "My heart is with Liverpool, so I'm delighted to sign this new deal, I love the club, the fans and the city and with a club and supporters like this, I could never say no to staying. 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. Liverpool attack tasked with breaking down former boss Benitez's defence The more we have seen of him the more impressed we have become. Also added was England defender Glen Johnson for a 17.5million fee. Then the focus is on a remarkable last . After leaving Liverpool in June 2010, Bentez was appointed manager of treble-winning side Inter Milan. But with Rafa, it was constant directions. 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. But from the start I felt basically left out, by myself, no help and that was of course very difficult for a 20 year old. [53] On 15 June 2010, Bentez was presented to the Italian media for the first time after signing a two-year deal. 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. [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. Gary Neville uses Man United tactics to slam Rafa Benitez's Liverpool At one point, rumours of Bentez quitting or being dismissed became so great that bookmakers had to suspend betting on the subject. 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. May 25, 2005 is a date that will forever have its place in Liverpool FC folklore thanks to events at Istanbul's Ataturk Stadium. [90] Defender David Luiz credited Bentez with making critical changes at half time, saying, "He changed some of our positions in the second half. Bentez's tactics were credited as a key factor in Liverpool reaching, and winning, the final, despite a relatively unimpressive squad of players. Liverpool fans knew that 'Agent Rafa' would not be there more than a season, and so it has proven. I just sat there, half in shock. The situation is said to be dire and Leach may have suffered seizures. I'm a total fan of his tactical methods, and have read a lot about it. Such a revelation damaged Bentez's relations with the Americans, with constant rumours linking the Spaniard with a move back to Real Madrid. Join our group for FREE by clicking here! But once Benitez had decided to sacrifice Alonso to bring in Barry, the writing was on the wall. Yet despite his exit, Riise does hold Benitez in the highest of regards. [98][99] They lost 42 on aggregate to Athletic Bilbao in the qualifying stages, thus entering the Europa League. Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. Rafael Benitez: Police investigate reports of banner threatening ex [49] The club subsequently exited the UEFA Europa League at the hands of Atltico Madrid. Bentez speaking in 2020 on winning the 2005 Champions League Final. [65][66][67][68] He was unveiled as the new Chelsea manager at a press conference on 22 November 2012. "Yet even now they are talking about signing another centre half.". [113], In May 2017, Newcastle won the 201617 EFL Championship and made an immediate return to the Premier League after one season in the Championship. I thought I would be staying for a lot longer.". [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. "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'.