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While Premier League Team A vs Premier League Team B is meant to be the main attraction of the Sky Sports show . I tried to convince him to change his mind: What have you got to lose? [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. [18], In the Champions League, however, Liverpool fared differently. [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 said he understood and liked my desire to be playing so negotiations with Kln continued. He would later rue how Mauricio Pellegrino was brought in as his replacement. 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.. Despite this win, Chelsea failed to progress beyond the group stage of the competition. This instruction was ignored, which resulted in a goal. In the blue corner, Kylian Mbappe stands tall as the undisputed champion of the world. Fifteen years after Liverpool beat AC Milan in the Champions League final, I will be sent that message a lot today. 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. It was, in my opinion, a weird relationship (with Benitez) because when he signed me I looked at him as the big uncle who wanted to give me a chance and help me succeed," he told the Guardian. [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. That's why we played better and won the title. After defeating Bayer Leverkusen and Juventus with the aid of some bold team selections by Bentez, Liverpool faced Chelsea in the semi-final. Yet he scored just one Premier League goal in the second half of the season and was sold to Aston Villa in. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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! It's a dream for me such a fantastic club have given me this opportunity. [102][103] Real Madrid remained unbeaten in the league until a 32 loss at Sevilla in the 11th matchday. 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. Steven Gerrard, who was linked with a big money move to Chelsea, needed to be convinced . 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. Being told youre no longer wanted at Liverpool by Rafa that was a tough one, he told TalkSPORT. 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. I just sat there, half in shock. It was a privilege for me to play for such a great club in front of great fans. If they go down Ill come back to Liverpool and stay until my contract ends or you can sell me then. "Rafa is a top manager and he's proven that. And when the fans wanted me to play, Benitez told me he couldn't understand why. Then the consequences of doing so flashed through my mind. I could not risk waiting to see if Benitez kept his job. [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. 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. 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 was really upset. Former Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez has sent the Magpies a heart-warming message on Twitter after their defeat in the Carabao cup final. [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. It says plenty about the dysfunction at the club that days later, Benitez has gone. Ill get 800,000, great, but I cant spend it today and Ill be five months without an experienced reserve goalkeeper. 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. "I'm the king of the exiles here so, as far as I'm concerned, it's finished for me at Liverpool," he said. He's never sorted out a situation with a player by talking with him. [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. [ VIDEO: PST unfiltered - EURO 2020 impressions; Sancho to Man United? ] I really need to play games to be prepared for the World Cup.. This is a player who had spent time in prison and played in the Premier League wearing an electronic tag after all. But come the start of the season he didnt get a look in. If its the way I play or the way I am, fine. [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. [55] On 27 August 2010 in Monaco, Inter lost to Atltico Madrid in the 2010 UEFA Super Cup. Liverpool paid 20m when signing Robbie Keane from Tottenham Hotspur in July 2009. For the second consecutive season, he was named UEFA Manager of the Year. Rafael "Rafa" Bentez Maudes (born 16 April 1960) is a Spanish football manager who was the manager of Liverpool from 2004-2010. [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. [60] Despite criticism, Bentez guided Inter to win the FIFA Club World Cup in December 2010. "He thinks he's in charge and everything else falls on deaf ears. "I'm not one of these players that likes to sit around on the bench and just pick my money up. But it was Liverpool Football Club. 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. 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. His final match was a 42 defeat to Lazio, who took the final place in the Champions League at Napoli's expense.[101]. I'm a total fan of his tactical methods, and have read a lot about it. GAMEWEEK 7 - DISCUSSION, RANT & INFO THREAD. ", "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? The players and the people at the top of the club knew how I felt. 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. But with Rafa, it was constant directions. "I think he was the wrong manager at the wrong time for me. Ex-Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez linked with managerial return after Everton sacking. Rafael Benitez has told Jurgen Klopp which team he should pick for Liverpool's huge Champions League clash against Real Madrid. Bentez was appointed coach of Valencia and won La Liga in the 200102 season. Then the focus is on a remarkable last . Liverpool fans will surely be fascinated to hear Rafa Benitez reminisce about his time in charge of the Reds on the club's official podcast. "I would like to be here for the rest of my career, but players live to play. End of story.". [7], During the 199293 season, Bentez also worked as an assistant coach to Mariano Garca Remn at Real Madrid B. I was in touch with Meier regularly and he told me Benitez wouldnt speak to him, but was saying Klns offer was unacceptable. But then for the first game of the new season I wasn't in the team again. After so many years, thats something wonderful that stays in your memory forever". I dont know how, but I managed to stop myself. On 3 June 2015, Bentez was confirmed as the new Real Madrid manager, signing a three-year contract. In February 2007, he was caught up in a drunken fight with team-mate John Arne Riise. Yet despite his exit, Riise does hold Benitez in the highest of regards. 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. You already know the story, of course. 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. [78] This was followed by a 31 away victory to Sunderland, with Bentez presiding over his first league win as Chelsea manager. We also may change the frequency you receive our emails from us in order to keep you up to date and give you the best relevant information possible. I thought I would be staying for a lot longer.". He then left Napoli and became coach of Real Madrid in June 2015 on an initial three-year contract. 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. For some reason it was important that I reach 350 matches and an exact average of fifty per season. In the years since leaving Liverpool, Keane has never criticised Benitez for selling the striker but believes the Spaniard was simply the wrong manager for him at the wrong time in his career. [3][4][5], In 1979, Bentez was selected to play for the Spain Youth U-19s at the World Student Games in Mexico City and he scored a penalty in the opening game, a 100 win against Cuba. He guided Segunda Divisin club Extremadura back to La Liga in his first season in the 199798 season, but the team was relegated the following season. [76][77] On 5 December 2012, Bentez recorded his first win as Chelsea manager, a 61 victory at home to Nordsjlland in the Champions League. Benitez defence a stern test for Liverpool's attack. Were going to buy another striker, he said. He was unable to avoid relegation, but earned promotion back to the Premier League the following year, winning the Championship. 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. Get all the latest Liverpool breaking news, team news, transfer rumours, injury updates plus analysis of what's next for the Reds. I said: 'You need me now and I will always do my best. I scored against Atletico Madrid in the Europa League semi-final. 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. Usain Bolt? After leaving Valencia, Benitez moved to English club Liverpool of the Premier League, guiding the club to victory in the UEFA Champions League in 2005. Yes, I would have if I were not present at the delivery. If they come back today to buy you, they need to double their offer as this is the last day of the transfer window.. He knows what he wants and how to get it. Take it easy. A week-and-a-half later and there was no progress. [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. Liverpool transfer news, rumours, gossip and speculation including updates on Roberto Firmino, Manuel Locatelli, Naby Keita and Mason Mount. I want to know.. Key players missed much of the season through injury and Liverpool failed to challenge Chelsea and Arsenal for the league title, finishing fifth. Surely I couldnt stay if I gave him a smack? 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. An FA Cup winner the following year, Cisse did feature fairly regularly in 2005/06 but often found himself utilised out of position or as a substitute. 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. Benitez swapped Liverpool for Inter Milan in 2010 and last coached in the Premier League at Newcastle before joining Chinese side Dalian Professional in 2019, leaving that role in January. At the start of the 198687 season, he was appointed coach of Castilla B. increasingly disappointed. Upon his arrival he had two very big personnel issues to tend to. This is the place to moan and discuss about every single thing that happened in games and with your team. There's some speculation about what might have been said at half-time to spark a much better second half - collectively, and from certain individuals. "Just sometimes, he might as well have turned a player into an Xbox, dressed me up like RoboCop and put a picture of my face on it. [146] Rosario is a big football fan and supported Real Madrid, while his father supported Atltico Madrid. "Apart from that, I loved everything at Liverpool - the players, the people, the fans, everything was great. Despite this, poor results in the Champions League and a disagreement over future transfers lead to a public falling-out with the club's owners, which played out in the media at the end of November. Just tell me. "With Rafa, it is all about himself. [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. Gary Neville vs Jamie Carragher is often the best part of Monday Night Football.. Eight of the side's remaining 10 away matches are against teams below them in the table, which should offer some decent opportunities to counter-attack from midfield. But perhaps because Benitez believes in an element of. 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. Only the two men would truly be able to answer whether their relationship changed after that trip to the San Siro. He spoke a lot to us to change the intensity." 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. I havent really thought about it, I said. The amount of time in training that wed do shape, tactics and nothing else! Despite this success, Bentez fell out with Jess Garca Pitarch, the club's director of football, over control of new signings and the club's failure to reinforce the squad with the players he wanted. Starting the following season strongly, his manager even called for him to be given an England call-up. [90] Defender David Luiz credited Bentez with making critical changes at half time, saying, "He changed some of our positions in the second half. But, with Rafa, the training was so boring that youd come in and all youd want to do was slit your wrists! He started to get up to go but I told him to wait for a second. I had played for five years at Anfield and then never got a game when Benitez arrived, apart from three in the Carling Cup.