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.. [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. Jurgen Klopp's respect for Rafa Benitez spotted during Liverpool's Real later played Cdiz in the Copa del Rey round of 32, winning away 31 in the first leg. I was feeling glum. Former Liverpool Manager Rafa Benitez Reveals Two Transfers That Halfway through the 199091 season he succeeded Jos Antonio Camacho as the coach of Real Madrid's under-19 team. I've got two or three possibilities already and things are starting to move behind the scenes.". This is a player who had spent time in prison and played in the Premier League wearing an electronic tag after all. Just tell me. "Liverpool remains the place where I have suffered the most as a footballer, above all during the last season. Usain Bolt? For some reason it was important that I reach 350 matches and an exact average of fifty per season. German clubs are financially savvy Kln knew they couldnt afford to buy me if they werent in the top division but Rafa refused to let me go on loan. The former Reds captain says in his new autobiography that tactically the Spaniard was . Yet he scored just one Premier League goal in the second half of the season and was sold to Aston Villa in. It was another short-lived appointment and on 4 January 2016, he was dismissed following a 22 draw against his former club, Valencia. As a right winger/midfielder, Steven Gerrard had the most productive seasons trophy-wise, claiming a Champions League title, and an FA Cup. Not only was he a brilliant coach but he is a very sharp, savvy businessman. But with 47 of them coming from the substitutes' bench, and with the playmaker taken off on 53 of his 81 starts, behind the scenes he was not happy with his manager. 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. Rafael "Rafa" Bentez Maudes (born 16 April 1960) is a Spanish football manager who was the manager of Liverpool from 2004-2010. Ex Liverpool star suffers heart attack at age of just 36 I was really upset. 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. By Rafa Benitez May 24, 2020 Happy Istanbul Day! It was a normal Craig Bellamy picture in a newspaper! [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. bridge views - the thinking fan's chelsea blog: Terry 'You own the f****** club' - Istanbul story captures humility of 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. 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. After defeating Bayer Leverkusen and Juventus with the aid of some bold team selections by Bentez, Liverpool faced Chelsea in the semi-final. You didnt mean it., I cannot let you go on loan. Three days before the transfer window closed I went in to see him again Relax, Jerzy, theres still time, but we want a permanent deal, but Meier was telling me that Rafa was still refusing to take his calls! 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. [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. Well help you find another club if you like., Can I play the last matches? was all I could say. 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. "[14], One of Bentez's first tasks at Liverpool was to convince club captain Steven Gerrard not to move to Chelsea. Ryan Babel was just 20 when he joined Liverpool from Ajax in an 11.5m deal in the summer of 2007. To be completely honest, I genuinely considered punching Rafa in the face. Milan Baros finished Benitezs first season at Liverpool as the clubs top goalscorer. '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 tried to plead with him a little bit, and he repeated the fact that my time was done, really, in his own way. It was either his way or no way. START DATES 2021-22 FA Community Shield 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. 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 would later rue how Mauricio Pellegrino was brought in as his replacement. Scuba Certification; Private Scuba Lessons; Scuba Refresher for Certified Divers; Try Scuba Diving; Enriched Air Diver (Nitrox) Rafa Benitez fell out with a number of players during his time with Liverpool, leading to many leaving the club, Follow the latest transfer news and more with our LFC newsletter. May is a special month for. Yet he would return to Spurs just seven months later, and at an 8m loss, having quickly fallen out of favour under Benitez. The Reds play the Spanish champions on Tuesday in the round of 16 first-leg at Anfield. He didnt know I spent my whole childhood dreaming of playing for Liverpool, he didnt know I had all those memories and feelings. But after falling out of favour in his second season, he was fined, suspended, banished from Melwood and transfer-listed after slamming his manager in two different interviews with Spanish radio, and after allegedly assaulting a young team-mate in training. Surely I couldnt stay if I gave him a smack? Liverpool Fans Sing Former Manager Rafa Benitez's Name After He Is A 6.7m signing from Birmingham City in the summer of 2006, he impressed during his first season with the club and was a standout performer in their 2007 Champions League final defeat to AC Milan. Geplaatst op 3 juli 2022 door I raised my voice. I felt so unhappy but, out of respect to the club, I never spoke out. Rafa Benitez. The 50-year-old, who only took charge 18 months ago, finished 15 points c Bentez's tactics were credited as a key factor in Liverpool reaching, and winning, the final, despite a relatively unimpressive squad of players. Don't do or say anything. Bentez argued he needed to rotate his small squad to ensure key players were fit for the latter stages of these knockout competitions. Bentez speaking in 2020 on winning the 2005 Champions League Final. The Frenchman spent the 2006/07 on loan at Marseille, with Cisse joining the club permanently in a 6m deal in July 2007. 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. In February 2007, he was caught up in a drunken fight with team-mate John Arne Riise. "It was for the Champions League quarter-final squad against Inter," Alonso said. Rafa Bentez Tactics: Liverpool, Valencia and the 4-2-3-1 May 25, 2005 is a date that will forever have its place in Liverpool FC folklore thanks to events at Istanbul's Ataturk Stadium. Bentez stands by his tactic, pointing out that teams who man-mark concede just as many, if not more, goals from set pieces. If its the way I play or the way I am, fine. [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. "We were going into labour, and I told Rafa that I could not go. 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. Rafa Benitez was sacked as Everton manager on Sunday after a 2-1 loss at Norwich City. It was a really emotional moment for me. 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. He also worked as a commentator/analyst for Eurosport, Marca, El Mundo and local Madrid TV. We have since done another (better) post on Rafa Benitez's Liverpool. Rafael Benitez: Police investigate reports of banner threatening ex Former Liverpool and Inter Milan boss Rafael Benitez believes the Nerazzurri should be worried about the Reds' attack ahead of their Champions League clash on Wednesday. The season also saw Bentez make his debut in the Champions League, where his side reached the quarter-finals, losing to Inter Milan. 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. Ex-Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez linked with managerial return after Everton sacking. Initially, he joined Parla on loan, but eventually signed for them permanently and helped them gain promotion to Segunda Divisin B. Take it easy. "But I didn't argue with anybody. "[91], On 19 May, in his final competitive game as Chelsea manager, Bentez managed the team to a 21 home win over Everton, ensuring a third-place finish in the Premier League and a direct spot in the following season's Champions League group stage. I have some offers. It's a little frustrating because you see that you can help. I was with the national side, before the World Cup, he recalled to the Times. Released at the end of his contract, he signed for Real Zaragoza in the summer of 2009 on a free transfer and has repeatedly slammed Benitez in the years that have followed. Raphael Varane hands Manchester United injury scare ahead of Liverpool clash, Manchester United have been dealt a late injury scare ahead of their Premier League clash against Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday, Why Everton fans have 'spared' Amadou Onana as Sean Dyche juggles centre-backs, Here's your Everton FC evening headlines as Amadou Onana acknowledges fan support and Sean Dyche balances his centre-backs, Liverpool told how they can still sign Moises Caicedo as summer transfer stance emerges, Liverpool continue to be linked with a move for Moises Caicedo despite the midfielder signing a new contract with Brighton & Hove Albion, ITV Loose Women's Carol McGiffin explains appearance change as fans concerned, The panelist lifted the lid on her "drama", Live updates as police and ambulance surround rock climbing gym, An air ambulance was also seen landing close to the scene, Emmerdale fans taken aback as Lucy Pargeter shares real age, The Chas Dingle star has appeared in Emmerdale since 2002, Coronation Street character to look totally different in return to cobbles, It'll be the first time viewers have seen him in six years, Coronation Street fans demand to know where they've seen newcomer before, Many viewers took to social media to ask where they recognised Sarah Platt's new business partner from, BBC The Wheel fans say it's 'not fair' as player loses 45,000 before end of episode, Some viewers thought Rhonda should have won, Ant and Dec in stitches after dad shares mother-in-law's name in contacts, Ant and Dec burst into laughter as Naz from Wirral revealed the name, Tiny Merseyside brewery supplying beer to Michelin star restaurants, Julie and Les O'Grady decided to leave behind their successful aquatics company to start a brewery, Jurgen Klopp and Erik ten Hag send message to fans over 'poison' chants before Liverpool vs Man United, Liverpool and Manchester United have released a joint statement referring to inappropriate chants heard at previous meetings, Police called after car crashes into building, Pictures show damage to the exterior of the building on Pembroke Place, Family's old hen-party tradition on busy city centre street, The Scottish tradition aims to bring good luck and fertility to marriage life, Lost 90s nightclub with 95p drinks that replaced iconic Fallows, It hailed itself as Liverpool's newest 'twin scene discotheque', Bent system cost Merseyside town thousands when asking for Government help, Sefton Council has had to self fund its most recent and unsuccessful Levelling Up Fund bids while other Merseyside areas received money to prepare applications, I made salt and pepper chicken in the air fryer after being promised a super easy recipe, Air fryers have become increasingly popular so I decided to dust mine off and use it, Paedo answered door naked to schoolchildren after grooming them with vapes, Serial offender performed sex acts at his doorstep and sexually assaulted 12-year-old girl, Meet the doctor who travels the world helping those in need, "I think he was just so scarred from what had happened to him. 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. It was up and down but at the same time I had a great experience there. Due to this unbeaten run, Benitez was nominated for the Manager of the Month award. Then he said: I think its time we go our separate ways, Riise recalled in his 2018 autobiography. Benitez tried to break me like he broke Riera. Fully fit again in time for Benitezs arrival, he featured throughout pre-season and even scored in a friendly vs Celtic. Connect with Liverpool fans from around the world in our official supporters group. This means that we may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. [62][63] On 23 December 2010, just five days after bringing Inter to the triumph, Bentez was dismissed by Inter. The man management was down to his staff. Benitez defence a stern test for Liverpool's attack. Then the consequences of doing so flashed through my mind. "Apart from that, I loved everything at Liverpool - the players, the people, the fans, everything was great. Steven Gerrard, who was linked with a big money move to Chelsea, needed to be convinced . 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. However, like in Murphys case with Alonso and Garcia, Benitez could again claim to have made the right call as his decision to sideline Henchoz ultimately came hand-in-hand with the inspired switch to move Jamie Carragher back to centre-back, with the Liverpool legends own partnership with Hyypia usurping Houlliers previous duo. [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. 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. From the latest transfers and match reports to training ground gossip and the running of the game, bridgeviews.co.uk offers a different perspective. Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. Half time: Liverpool 0-0 Wolves - redandwhitekop.com "And maybe, after 10 days training with him, well, that's when I started asking questions. [41] Alonso said that Bentez's attempts to sell him the previous summer were a deciding factor in his move. His final match was a 42 defeat to Lazio, who took the final place in the Champions League at Napoli's expense.[101]. [54] Something went wrong, please try again later. On two occasions early last season, against Fulham and Lyon, the fans booed when I was subbed. Newcastle United at Wembley: 13 times the Magpies played at the After everything the coach has put me through, I'm not going to give him that parting gift (of a fee). Olivia Shears and Katie Whyatt were highly commended in an historic one-two-three: it was the first time in the competition's history [] Bentez made a number of suggestions during Mourinho's tenure as manager that Roman Abramovich's money had bought Chelsea's success, and the pair refused to shake hands after some matches (although Mourinho declared the feud to be over after a league game in 2006). It was a privilege for me to play for such a great club in front of great fans. [124] This win was followed up with a 22 draw at Leeds United, a 21 win at Huddersfield in the EFL Cup and a 20 win against Brighton in the Premier League. Evolution of the football manager | FM Base 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. "I would like to be here for the rest of my career, but players live to play. 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.". 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. Keep up to date with the latest breaking news, transfer gossip and everything LFC with thousands of Reds! At one point, rumours of Bentez quitting or being dismissed became so great that bookmakers had to suspend betting on the subject. They thought I was playing well but Benitez told me he was surprised the fans booed because I was not good enough. "When a player knows he is a slave, he'll never give his employer his heart.. Bentez is fluent in Spanish, English, French and Italian. 8m ESPN. "There are many examples of him treating me badly. 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. "I'll only leave if I go as a free agent. Cisse admitted, after joining Marseille on loan, that he did hold a grudge against Benitez for forcing him out. 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. I have a normal relationship with Rafa. Liverpool have announced manager Rafael Benitez has left the club by mutual consent after six years in charge. I understand what he was doing. It was funny. He never treated me with the respect I deserved. 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. If pushed, you would have guessed the man responsible for scoring the Blues' first goal at home for nearly two months was David Datro Fofana, the Ivorian forward signed during January's trolley dash. 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.