Usain Bolt? [15] He was unable, however, to convince Michael Owen to extend his contract; he was subsequently sold to Real Madrid. As always you can unsubscribe at any time. Bentez called me and said I wasnt in his plans, so it was better for me to find a (new) club. START DATES 2021-22 FA Community Shield 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. But the players he brought in werent bad, were they? I wasnt in the mood. "[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. Not only was he a brilliant coach but he is a very sharp, savvy businessman. 'He was around 10m': Rafa Benitez says he nearly signed Brazil legend for Liverpool Charles Jones 4 days ago Speaking on the Official Liverpool FC Podcast, Rafa Benitez has been. I meet him from time to time like at Pepe Reinas wedding, or some family parties.. [58], By December 2010, Inter had slumped to sixth in Serie A, 13 points adrift of the top (although Inter played two games less), having suffered consecutive defeats against arch rivals Milan (which ended a 46 match unbeaten home record),[59] Chievo and Lazio, as well as losing at Tottenham Hotspur in the Champions League, leading to speculation that Bentez's position was under threat. Bentez said that he had jokingly signalled to Alonso to ignore his instructions and not that he thought the game was effectively over. [32] Bentez, however, said that his future was at Liverpool and signalled his long-term intentions by appointing Sammy Lee as his new assistant[33] to replace his long-time right-hand man, Pako Ayestarn, who quit after a reported disagreement, which Bentez admitted "hurt" him and arguably Liverpool's titles hopes. Wed just lost the Champions League final. 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. It was as if the fans' reaction worked against me. But with Rafa, it was constant directions. Initially, he joined Parla on loan, but eventually signed for them permanently and helped them gain promotion to Segunda Divisin B. [35] Bentez had reportedly intended to sell Xabi Alonso to fund the purchase of Barry, but Liverpool CEO Rick Parry was reported to have prioritised signing Robbie Keane over Barry, causing tension when Barry did not arrive. And I would like to play there constantly.". An unused substitute in the Spaniards first two games against Grazer AK and Tottenham Hotspur, he rarely made a matchday squad appearance after. The amount of time in training that wed do shape, tactics and nothing else! Take it easy. 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. Liverpool host Real on Tuesday night in the first leg of their. I felt so unhappy but, out of respect to the club, I never spoke out. "I was very young and I just needed guidance. [107][108] He suffered defeat in his first match in charge, losing 10 away to eventual champions Leicester City on 14 March. The situation got worse afterwards. However, as the labour dragged on, the Reds boss had a decision to make as he went ahead without the midfielder and ultimately snubbed Alonsos offer to fly out on the day of the game. 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. He didnt know I spent my whole childhood dreaming of playing for Liverpool, he didnt know I had all those memories and feelings. However, Club Director Javier Subirats recognised the potential of Bentez and campaigned for his appointment. 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. [93], On 27 May 2013, it was announced that Bentez had signed for Napoli, whose manager Walter Mazzarri had resigned. Its like telling (Lionel) Messi you need technique. becky ending explained. 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. 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. Later in the summer transfer window, Bentez signed several players from La Liga, most notably Luis Garca and Xabi Alonso, both of whom drew immediate admiration from Liverpool supporters. He was being honest and he said to me: Look, I want to bring in some of my own players, youre not going to be part of the XI and its unlikely youre going to get back in the team. And I remember thinking, oh my, this is going to be trouble, this is going to be difficult for me'. He was unable to avoid relegation, but earned promotion back to the Premier League the following year, winning the Championship. After so many years, thats something wonderful that stays in your memory forever". Real later played Cdiz in the Copa del Rey round of 32, winning away 31 in the first leg. 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. [53] On 15 June 2010, Bentez was presented to the Italian media for the first time after signing a two-year deal. [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. I am still very upset. Peter Crouch has suggested that Rafael Benitez's prior association with Liverpool was, in part, behind his undoing as Everton manager.. Benitez, 61, was given his marching orders on Sunday, less than 24 hours after his side were beaten by relegation-threatened Norwich City. Im not James Milner, who keeps it simple. Just tell me. [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. 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. 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. 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. "It is not true that I had or have had disputes with Bentez, but I am annoyed that when I'm fit I only warm the bench, Baros said on the eve of Istanbul. End of story.". [31] It later emerged that Jrgen Klinsmann had been offered Bentez's job before eventually accepting the post of Bayern Munich manager. Trump was so enraged at mockery by late night host Jimmy Kimmel he tried to get him censored, report says "On the day before the final game of last season at Hull, Benitez pulled me to one side after training and said: 'You will not be in the squad for this game. Scuba Certification; Private Scuba Lessons; Scuba Refresher for Certified Divers; Try Scuba Diving; Enriched Air Diver (Nitrox) [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. [28] It was reported Bentez did not feel he had the complete support of the new owners, a thought that was compounded by Liverpool's initial lack of activity in the transfer window, although the club played these rumours down. Again, it was another case of Benitez controversially deciding a players time at Liverpool were up, with reputation and price-tag making no difference to his decision. He moved away from Real Madrid in 1995, but management spells at Real . [61] Buoyed by the Club World Cup victory, he told the European champions to back him with new signings or consider whether they wanted to keep him as coach, despite the side having won the treble only a few months earlier. Being told youre no longer wanted at Liverpool by Rafa that was a tough one, he told TalkSPORT. That is something I can never forget. "I keep a fantastic memory of England, even if I still hold a grudge on the coach," he told L'Equipe Magazine. He left the club by mutual consent in January 2021 before taking over as manager at Everton in June. 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. 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. "You see that the team are not doing well and there are no changes. "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. 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. See you on Wednesday.. Im not a defensive midfielder. After leaving Liverpool in June 2010, Bentez was appointed manager of treble-winning side Inter Milan. Footballers love seeing a bit of confrontation on the training ground! Rafael Benitez's last interview as Everton boss. "It was for the Champions League quarter-final squad against Inter," Alonso said. Benitez tried to break me like he broke Riera. Maybe I will never swallow it. [153][154][155], For the American submarine commander, see, 200104: Twice Spanish champions and UEFA Cup winners, Last edited on 19 February 2023, at 18:18, have won all three major European trophies, following season's Champions League group stage, European Coach of the YearAlf Ramsey Award, List of European Cup and UEFA Champions League winning managers, List of UEFA Cup and Europa League winning managers, "Bentez: Rafael Bentez Maudes: Manager", "Benitez On What He Can Prove At Everton", "Rafael Benitez - an adopted Scouser from Red to Blue", "Rafael Benitez - a complete profile of Liverpool FC manager Rafa Benitez", "Rafa Bentez: the early years at Extremadura and Tenerife", Caizares explica a Casillas por qu Albelda "hinch de leches" a Zidane en su debut: "Tena que saber a quin se enfrentaba", "Remembering Rafa Benitez's Valencia Side That Took Spain By Storm", "Emery joins growing band of Spanish managers", "Bentez boost as Gerrard stays at Liverpool", "Is Jamie Carragher England's best defender? I spent six months with Liverpool hardly getting a game. He did start the home leg defeat against Graz, reinstated next to Hyypia as he made his first appearance of the season in the process, but after that his final three appearances for the club all came with the kids and reserves in the League Cup. Bentez played as a midfielder for both Real Madrid Aficionados in the Tercera Divisin and Castilla CF in the Segunda Divisin. 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. 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. [57] His first league win as manager came on 11 September 2010, a 21 win against Udinese at the San Siro. [128][129], On 9 January 2009, Bentez delivered a controversial appraisal of certain aspects of Sir Alex Ferguson's tenure, accusing Ferguson and Manchester United of being nervous because Liverpool were at the top of the league,[130] then accused the Manchester United manager of not being punished for breaking FA rules, suggesting he was "the only manager in the league that cannot be punished for these things",[130] referring to Ferguson not being punished following an FA charge for comments he made about officials Martin Atkinson and Keith Hackett following an FA Cup tie with Portsmouth. Also added was England defender Glen Johnson for a 17.5million fee. 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. Xabi Alonsos relationship with Benitez is a curious one. Former Liverpool star Mark Gonzalez is recovering in hospital after suffering a heart attack, his wife has confirmed. His dialogue with the players is practically nil. I say by myself on the plane back to England the next day. In truth, he didnt have time to as Benitez made it clear early on that he had no future at the club. I still dont know his real reasons. But then for the first game of the new season I wasn't in the team again. The only problem was the media, he insisted. ". Imagine the pressure Id be under if that happened, Why should I care? 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. Leaving for Celtic in January, he was not happy with how Benitez had treated him at all. Among those Bentez sold was Craig Bellamy, who was notably phased out of the first team following an altercation with John Arne Riise in the buildup to Liverpool's remarkable victory over Barcelona in the Camp Nou en route to the Champions League final. 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.. And thats prompted us to look back at Benitezs time across Stanley Park at Anfield, and recall some of the players Liverpool sold after disagreements with their manager. 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. [6], The first attempts by Bentez at senior management away from the Real Madrid fold were less than successful. Perhaps the most obvious name on this list. 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. He won a third league title with Real Madrid Youth B in 1990. I should have stayed a bit longer and trusted myself, I should have. 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. I am very, very proud to be joining one of the most important clubs in the world in one of the best leagues in the world - and I want to win. I had really to become an adult very quick and adapt. Yet he would return to Spurs just seven months later, and at an 8m loss, having quickly fallen out of favour under Benitez. If I played well, I never felt he gave me credit. "When a player knows he is a slave, he'll never give his employer his heart.. Steven Gerrard has lifted the lid on his "frosty" relationship with former Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez. In terms of team instructions I think you nailed it. Which Liverpool player do you wish Rafa Benitez had never sold? 134 appearances and 29 goals would seemingly demonstrate that. "Yet even now they are talking about signing another centre half.". Before that I played at Tottenham, free-flowing football, different managers. 20th Sep 2022, 7:39am. Bentez speaking in 2020 on winning the 2005 Champions League Final. He also worked as a commentator/analyst for Eurosport, Marca, El Mundo and local Madrid TV. Something went wrong, please try again later. "[27] Bentez did not reciprocate his owner's kind words, demanding his club's new owners had to back him in the transfer market in order for Liverpool to progress following his side's 21 loss to Milan in the final. 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. I havent really thought about it, I said. "We have not had any talk about why it is. Don't do or say anything. On 4 January 2016, Bentez's contract was terminated following allegations of unpopularity with supporters, displeasure with players and a failure to get good results against top sides. Fully fit again in time for Benitezs arrival, he featured throughout pre-season and even scored in a friendly vs Celtic. [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. When Mourinho exited Chelsea in 2007, Bentez said, "You know my relationship with him, it is better that I do not say anything", declining to comment as Ferguson and Arsenal manager Arsne Wenger had. I hated him at the time, but Ive lost that now. He was different class, the amount of goals and assists that he got. [102][103] Real Madrid remained unbeaten in the league until a 32 loss at Sevilla in the 11th matchday. [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. Rafa Benitez is my favourite coach in world football. 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. Youre a big name, you can play anywhere at all. [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. I know everyone working there will be a lot happier and I believe Roy Hodgson is a good choice. Bentez's tactics were credited as a key factor in Liverpool reaching, and winning, the final, despite a relatively unimpressive squad of players. We use your sign-up to provide content in the ways you've consented to and improve our understanding of you. 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. In November 2012, he was appointed interim manager of Chelsea for the remainder of the season and he won the 2013 Europa League. 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. Shortly after his departure from Anfield, Bentez made a 96,000 donation to the Hillsborough Family Support Group. Then the focus is on a remarkable last . "I have to finally tell Rafa I'm leaving because maybe he's not aware of it, he said. [146] Rosario is a big football fan and supported Real Madrid, while his father supported Atltico Madrid. Liverpool finished the calendar year top of the Premier League for the first time since 1996. A lot of people at Liverpool treated me well and asked me to stay, but I could not turn down such a massive club as Chelsea. 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. They have two daughters, Claudia, who was born in Madrid in 1999, and gata who was born in Valencia in 2002. After everything the coach has put me through, I'm not going to give him that parting gift (of a fee). Looking back, I do appreciate honesty from managers. The thinking fan's Chelsea blog. 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. The left-backs standards had arguably slipped in his final two seasons with Liverpool as he fought with Fabio Aurelio for a starting role with only the Brazilians injury record ensuring he didnt retain the position permanently. About Us; Staff; Camps; Scuba. 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]. He left the club in June 2019 and the following month was appointed manager of Chinese Super League club Dalian Professional. Ill get 800,000, great, but I cant spend it today and Ill be five months without an experienced reserve goalkeeper. ", "Sammy Lee back as Liverpool assistant coach", "Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez and chief exec Rick Parry call a truce", "Never Walk Alone? "All players want to play in such great matches and I had been playing regularly before the Carling Cup final. Malcolm Macdonald in a rare Newcastle United attack during the ill-fated FA Cup final against Liverpool on May 4, 1974 . The 50-year-old, who only took charge 18 months ago, finished 15 points c So I asked who he was going to sign. A stalwart under Gerard Houllier, Murphy never really had a falling out with the Spaniard as such. "Liverpool remains the place where I have suffered the most as a footballer, above all during the last season. The 36-year-old was signed by Rafa Benitez in the summer of 2005 from. [7], During the 199293 season, Bentez also worked as an assistant coach to Mariano Garca Remn at Real Madrid B. [13] On his arrival he stated: "It is like a dream to be here. [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 man management was down to his staff. You said youd help me. ", "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? It's a little frustrating because you see that you can help. I felt he was waiting for me to make a mistake so he could use it against me. Im a flair player and do my own thing. But dont tell me you need pace. "I have not said I am going to leave Liverpool. I dont want to blame the coach for me not having the ultimate career at Liverpool but I felt it could have been closer in terms of guidance and support.". 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. [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. In the red corner, Achraf Hakimi is a fight away from one of the greatest underdog stories of all time. At the start of the 198687 season, he was appointed coach of Castilla B. Liverpool's worst run in 22 years[46] combined with an exit from the Champions League at the group stages led to the first major vocal criticism of Bentez by Liverpool fans. That's why we played better and won the title. The former Reds captain says in his new autobiography that tactically the Spaniard was . He moved away from Real Madrid in 1995, but management spells at Real Valladolid and Osasuna were short-lived and unsuccessful. Scott played in the cups. But come the start of the season he didnt get a look in. They thought I was playing well but Benitez told me he was surprised the fans booed because I was not good enough. "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.''. The 61-year-old collapsed at his Starkville home but did not receive medical attention for between ten to 15 minutes. [87] Chelsea reached the semi-finals of the FA Cup, losing 21 to Manchester City at Wembley Stadium, and also progressed to the final of the UEFA Europa League. Re: Half time: Liverpool 0-0 Wolves. Fab was our best player that half, which is some sort of comfort. Rafa Benitez promised me a certain development, but very quickly he took away that promise and it was a totally different situation. The 61-year-old also won La Liga with Valencia and has collected trophies at Inter Milan, Napoli, and Newcastle United. [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. Rafael Benitez predicted, in this very space, on Tuesday morning, precisely where the risk lay when it came to Liverpool v Real Madrid. But the media was not interested anymore. The Reds moved to six points adrift of fourth place after a 2-0 victory over Newcastle United. I repeat, if they come back in today they must pay double., I felt he was treating me unfairly, but thats how Rafa operated. 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. In some ways, it is a surprise that Benitez lasted this long. It was a normal Craig Bellamy picture in a newspaper! [72], The appointment was initially unpopular with many Chelsea fans due to Bentez' association with Liverpool and comments he had previously made about Chelsea,[73] and he received a "fiercely hostile reception" as he was introduced at his first home game, a 00 draw with Manchester City on 25 November 2012. It was another short-lived appointment and on 4 January 2016, he was dismissed following a 22 draw against his former club, Valencia. Thank you for your three years of service, now you can call your agent to do a deal with another club.' On each occasion I had accepted the challenge and emerged victorious from it. By Will Rooney. There are also easier fixtures than playing away against Wolves (with a rotated side) and Brighton as well as facing Chelsea at Anfield, as Liverpool has had to do recently. Published: 20:09, 16 Jan 2022 Updated: 20:09, 16 Jan 2022 LIVERPOOL legend Jamie Carragher was quick to take to social media to make light of Rafa Benitez's sacking at Everton.
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