[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. Further injury problems saw him miss almost the entire 198586 season and he subsequently retired as a player. He would later rue how Mauricio Pellegrino was brought in as his replacement. Starting the following season strongly, his manager even called for him to be given an England call-up. 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. [64], On 21 November 2012, following the dismissal of Roberto Di Matteo, Chelsea appointed Bentez as interim first-team manager until the end of the 201213 season. 4y Dave Usher. I dont think I ever really played more than three games in a row. An unused substitute in the Spaniards first two games against Grazer AK and Tottenham Hotspur, he rarely made a matchday squad appearance after. "[14], One of Bentez's first tasks at Liverpool was to convince club captain Steven Gerrard not to move to Chelsea. He told me I was a better player as a substitute instead of starting in the team. But come the start of the season he didnt get a look in. 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. 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. 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. Thank you for your three years of service, now you can call your agent to do a deal with another club.' [120], Bentez was appointed manager of Premier League club Everton on a three-year contract on 30 June 2021, replacing Carlo Ancelotti who left to join Real Madrid. He also won the FA Cup in 2006 and reached the 2007 Champions League Final, but was unable to win the Premier League, with Liverpool's best league performance under Bentez a second-place finish in 200809. But, with Rafa, the training was so boring that youd come in and all youd want to do was slit your wrists! It was up and down but at the same time I had a great experience there. Yet he would return to Spurs just seven months later, and at an 8m loss, having quickly fallen out of favour under Benitez. [23], Bentez's signings helped the club's Premiership form improve considerably. [135], Bentez's preferred formation is a 4231 which he adopted during his time at Valencia and Liverpool. Frankly, I am proud of that. Youve got some instructions and tactics in your mind and yet hes shouting even more at you. [144], Bentez instigated a host of backroom changes at the end of the 200809 season to improve the club's youth development, including the appointment of club legend Kenny Dalglish in a senior role at the academy. "We have not had any talk about why it is. And he still lives in Liverpool. I've got two or three possibilities already and things are starting to move behind the scenes.". [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. Still remember seeing him pull what appeared to be a tooth out of his mouth after colliding with a goalpost. 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. 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. It was no surprise that the Spaniard had quickly decided to move the striker on, and the Wales international would later reveal his problems with his manager started on day one. On each occasion I had accepted the challenge and emerged victorious from it. In March 1994, he became assistant manager to Vicente del Bosque with the senior Real Madrid team before returning to coach Real Madrid B for the 199495 season. Youre a big name, you can play anywhere at all. Yet, the Spaniard is not a monster. 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. I have no problem talking to people. Allardyce suggested that Bentez had signalled the game was over despite Liverpool only having a two-goal lead. Riera would later blame the media for the breakdown in his relationship with Benitez when speaking to Anfield HQ in 2016. 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. 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. [29], Bentez's spending was, eventually, significant, breaking Liverpool's transfer record when signing Spanish striker Fernando Torres from Atltico Madrid as well as signing Ryan Babel, Yossi Benayoun, Lucas Leiva and Andriy Voronin. Initially, he joined Parla on loan, but eventually signed for them permanently and helped them gain promotion to Segunda Divisin B. "I'm not one of these players that likes to sit around on the bench and just pick my money up. Fifteen years after Liverpool beat AC Milan in the Champions League final, I will be sent that message a lot today. I knew he wasnt the man for me, but because it was Liverpool I just had to sign.. End of story.". "Youve got two sets of instructions in your mind and youre left wondering what to do. Even Ali looks a shadow of himself. 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. "I have not said I am going to leave Liverpool. He moved away from Real Madrid in 1995, but management spells at Real Valladolid and Osasuna were short-lived and unsuccessful. 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'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. 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. Kimberly Goldson is getting some long overdue attention from fashion magazines for bold looks that she showed at NYFW. Rafa Benitez has been in England working with Sky Sports and made clear that he would like to return to the Premier League after his last job with Everton.. "I am fine and happy in . I just sat there, half in shock. In November 2012, he was appointed interim manager of Chelsea for the remainder of the season and he won the 2013 Europa League. The resulting coverage resulted in a show of support by fans in support of Bentez which culminated in a fans' march in support of Bentez ahead of the critical Champions League home tie with Porto, which they won 41. [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. [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. Classy timing'.". I agreed to join Chelsea before Roy Hodgson was appointed Liverpool's new manager. Cisse admitted, after joining Marseille on loan, that he did hold a grudge against Benitez for forcing him out. He was highly regarded for his tactical acumen[136][137] particularly in European ties, setting his team up to exploit opposition weaknesses. This means that we may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. Murphy would sign for Charlton Atheltic in a 2.5m deal in August 2004. 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. 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. This view was later supported by Sir Alex Ferguson. I miss all that a little.". When Craig Dawson is the best defender - possibly player - over 45 minutes, it sums up our issues. 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. [90] Defender David Luiz credited Bentez with making critical changes at half time, saying, "He changed some of our positions in the second half. Fully fit again in time for Benitezs arrival, he featured throughout pre-season and even scored in a friendly vs Celtic. Steven Gerrard has lifted the lid on his "frosty" relationship with former Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez. 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. "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'. "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.''. [13] On his arrival he stated: "It is like a dream to be here. The Spanish gaffer delved into some of the players. 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. 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. "It was for the Champions League quarter-final squad against Inter," Alonso said. "When you have so many instructions, it makes it so difficult. Rafael Benitez's last interview as Everton boss. An official statement from the club said, "Rafa will forever be part of Liverpool folklore after bringing home the Champions League following the epic final in Istanbul but after a. 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. 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. I didnt know what to do, I didnt want to leave! He smiled at me from behind his desk. Benitez picked up 13 points from his nine Premier League matches in charge on Everton's own turf - the same amount of points as Lampard has picked up. He won his first league game in charge, beating Southampton 31. You'll also get the latest transfer talk and analysis every day for FREE! 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. Benitez went to Real Madrid instead and Rodgers limped on until Klopp, who had long since been identified as the perfect successor, made it clear he was ready to cut short his sabbatical.. 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. [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. 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. 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. [74][75] This was followed by a 00 draw at home to Fulham and a 31 loss to West Ham. Home. Connect with Liverpool fans from around the world in our official supporters group. Benitez came to Liverpool from the Spanish side Valencia on 16 June 2004 after the sacking of Gerard Houllier. Starting the 3-2 AET second leg defeat a week later, it would prove to be his final appearance for the club as Benitez called him into his office to tell him he would be sold and wouldnt be involved for the remaining games of the season. "We were going into labour, and I told Rafa that I could not go. But an exchange with Benitez did leave the Frenchman rather bemused on his way out. I just tried to put the ball there and Ivanovic did the rest. 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. 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 had great contracts on the table, and choices of managers who really wanted me and that made me feel good. Bentez stands by his tactic, pointing out that teams who man-mark concede just as many, if not more, goals from set pieces. Its like telling (Lionel) Messi you need technique. [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. 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. 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. 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. Ultimately you have to trust the players once they cross the white line. Such a revelation damaged Bentez's relations with the Americans, with constant rumours linking the Spaniard with a move back to Real Madrid. 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. [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? John Barnes is more worried about Manchester United coming to Liverpool on Sunday than he has been in recent times. [8], Bentez subsequently quit Extremadura and took a year off from football to study in England and Italy. By the way, we won 0-1 with a goal from Torres.. [6], In 1986, at the age of 26, Bentez returned to Real Madrid to join the club's coaching staff. Liverpool chiefs are pulling in different directions", "Liverpool brand Bentez exit talk as "ridiculous", "Liverpool have six games to save their season", "Xabi Alonso: I decided to leave Liverpool FC after club's move for Gareth Barry", "John Aldridge: Funding woe sure to frustrate Rafa Benitez", "Five key areas for Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez to address", "Phil McNulty: Benitez faces biggest test", "Liverpool Comment: Jovetic Shows Genius, But Rafa's Rigid Defence Is Falling Apart", "Rafa Benitez's days are numbered insists legend Ronnie Whelan", "Rafael Benitez makes donation to Hillsborough families", "Rafael Benitez targets success at new club Inter Milan", "Benitez begins Inter reign with Supercoppa triumph", "The end of Inter Milan 10 Ibrahimovic unbeaten 46 points to kill", "Inter Milan line up Capello to replace under-fire Benitez", "Massimo Moratti refuses to comment on Rafael Bentez's future", "Inter Milan sack manager Rafael Benitez", "Chelsea bring in Bentez for rest of season", "Rafael Benitez set to be presented as Chelsea manager", "Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich takes gamble on Rafael Benitez after Pep Guardiola's refusal", "Welcome Mr Bentez, Chelsea's latest second-best next big thing", "Rafa Bentez unveiled as new Chelsea manager: live", "Rafael Benitez to Chelsea: Full reaction and analysis", "Rafael Bentez 'appoints Boudewijn Zenden as his Chelsea No2', "Chelsea fans call for Rafael Benitez apology", "Chelsea: Rafael Benitez boos will continue say fans", "Fernando Torres scored twice as Chelsea secured a first Premier League win in eight games and ensured Sunderland dropped into the relegation zone", "Rafael Bentez fires broadside at Chelsea fans and the board", "Rafael Benitez wants to stay at Chelsea until end of the season", "Ivanovi heads Chelsea to Europa League glory", "Chelsea in league of their own after unlikely European double", "Chelsea's Branislav Ivanovic climbs highest to sink Benfica", "Chelsea grateful to long-overdue Torres as Everton are finally seen off", Chelsea 2 Everton 1 match report: Rafael Benitez lets his Chelsea players take the plaudits as David Moyes bows out, "Benitez il nuovo allenatore del Napoli", "Rafael Bentez: Napoli appoint Spaniard as manager", "Coppa Italia final: Rafael Benitez's Napoli beat Fiorentina 31", "Porto end Rafael Benitez's hopes of retaining Europa League title", "Champions League 201415 play-off draw: as it happened", "Bilbao end Napoli's Champions League dream; Ludogorets win PK thriller", "Serie A Review: Napoli miss Champions League in Benitez send-off", "Rafa Benitez named new coach of Real Madrid", "Real Madrid not told Cheryshev was ineligible, says president", "Zidane: a club legend in the Real Madrid dugout", "Rafael Bentez sacked by Real Madrid with Zinedine Zidane taking over", "Rafa Benitez Confirmed As Newcastle Manager", "Rafael Benitez: Newcastle United appoint Spaniard as Steve McClaren's successor", "Rafa Benitez remaining positive after loss on Newcastle debut", "Newcastle 30 Swansea: Rafa Benitez wins first game at fifth attempt", "Rafael Benitez stays as Newcastle United manager BBC Sport", "Newcastle crowned Championship winners after late Jack Grealish Aston Villa equaliser halts Brighton", "Rafael Benitez: Newcastle United manager to leave club", "Newcastle United: Mike Ashley criticises Rafa Benitez and says he could 'own this football club forever', "Rafa Benitez says Mike Ashley 'doesn't care' about Newcastle", "Rafael Benitez: Ex-Newcastle boss appointed manager of Chinese side Dalian Yifang", "Rafa Bentez: ex Newcastle and Liverpool manager leaves job at Chinese Super League side Dalian Professional", "Police investigate Benitez banner threat", "Everton 3-1 Southampton: Rafa Benitez wins first Everton game after superb second-half comeback", "Some bloke called Rafa Benitez has been nominated Premier League Manager of The Month", "Rafael Benitez: Everton sack manager after just six-and-a-half months in charge following Norwich defeat", "Everton fans react to Rafa Benitez sacking with 'catastrophic' warning", "The full transcript of Rafael Bentez's rant at Sir Alex Ferguson", "FA will review Ferguson's criticisms of Atkinson and Hackett", "John Aldridge slams Newcastle boss Sam Allardyce after Rafa Benitez attack", "Blackburn boss Sam Allardyce steps up Benitez criticism", "Steven Gerrard lavishes praise on Rafael Benitez's 'winning mentality', "Was Rafa Benitez right to sell all but TWO of Liverpool's 2005 Champions League winning squad? However, the second leg was cancelled and Madrid were disqualified for fielding an ineligible player. I'm a total fan of his tactical methods, and have read a lot about it. [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. "I was very young and I just needed guidance. [54] A week-and-a-half later and there was no progress. I wasnt in the mood. Liverpool came from 20 down and were losing 32 in stoppage time when Steven Gerrard scored a dramatic late equalizer. [106], On 11 March 2016, Bentez was appointed as the manager of relegation threatened Newcastle United, signing on an initial three-year deal. I had played for five years at Anfield and then never got a game when Benitez arrived, apart from three in the Carling Cup. The Spaniard is expected to sign his. Given his past, the manager was a controversial choice. 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. Despite their best efforts, the Toon were beaten by six minutes worth of Manchester United attack. Halfway through the 199091 season he succeeded Jos Antonio Camacho as the coach of Real Madrid's under-19 team. His dialogue with the players is practically nil. The 36-year-old was signed by Rafa Benitez in the summer of 2005 from. 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. Only the two men would truly be able to answer whether their relationship changed after that trip to the San Siro. Subscribe to the CV Academy. I would go when everything was fine, catch a plane and show up there. [citation needed], In 200304 season, Valencia won La Liga with three games to spare and beat Marseille 20 in the UEFA Cup final. 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. In 1981, Bentez joined Tercera Divisin side Parla. Wed just lost the Champions League final. I was sure he wanted me to attack him in the press during the season so he could turn the fans against me, so I kept quiet. Bentez was appointed as manager of Newcastle United in March 2016 in an attempt to save the club from relegation. I certainly had no complaints about that. Join our group for FREE by clicking here! [43] Bentez's decision to sell Alonso and replace him in the side with Lucas Leiva, in addition to Aquilani having arrived at the club injured, was called into question as Liverpool's title campaign began with two defeats in the first three games. 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. Were going to buy another striker, he said. The club said they understood why I was unhappy and promised they'd let me leave in the summer if an offer came while Benitez was manager. Rafael Benitez might have been sacked by Premier League club Everton, but the red half of Merseyside still remembers him fondly. 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. I havent really thought about it, I said. [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. The Israeli would depart Liverpool for Chelsea in a 5.5m deal in the summer of 2010 following Benitezs departure, though the move had been agreed with the Spaniards blessing before his exit. [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.
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