[12], On 16 June 2004, Bentez was appointed manager of Liverpool, replacing Grard Houllier, becoming the first Spaniard to manage in the Premier League. Then he told him who were coming in for me Tottenham, Charlton and Everton. He tried to destroy my confidence. Riera would later blame the media for the breakdown in his relationship with Benitez when speaking to Anfield HQ in 2016. But come the start of the season he didnt get a look in. I couldn't say at the time, but I knew this was my last season at Liverpool and I wanted a special end. He spoke a lot to us to change the intensity." From the latest transfers and match reports to training ground gossip and the running of the game, bridgeviews.co.uk offers a different perspective. 134 appearances and 29 goals would seemingly demonstrate that. This was followed by a 40 home loss in the first Clsico of the season against Barcelona. It was a privilege for me to play for such a great club in front of great fans. The. I need to play. The 61-year-old also won La Liga with Valencia and has collected trophies at Inter Milan, Napoli, and Newcastle United. The win secured a top-four Premiership finish and with it a place in the following season's Champions League. The more we have seen of him the more impressed we have become. 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 came to sit next to me, he recalled in his 2013 autobiography. "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'. I was so angry that the lads said later the aggression was pouring out of me. I dont think I ever really played more than three games in a row. Mauricio Pochettino 'SACKED by PSG after agreeing to terminate contract [69][70][71] He appointed Boudewijn Zenden as his new assistant manager at Chelsea on the same day. That is something I can never forget. I repeat, if they come back in today they must pay double., I felt he was treating me unfairly, but thats how Rafa operated. Steven Gerrard has lifted the lid on his "frosty" relationship with former Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez. Footballers love seeing a bit of confrontation on the training ground! 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. But with Rafa, it was constant directions. However, Club Director Javier Subirats recognised the potential of Bentez and campaigned for his appointment. But after being sent off in a Champions League clash with Porto in September 2007 and suffering an injury against Besiktas, his fortunes turned and he fell down the pecking order after being unable to regain his place or recapture his earlier form. Connect with Liverpool fans from around the world in our official supporters group. "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. Scuba Certification; Private Scuba Lessons; Scuba Refresher for Certified Divers; Try Scuba Diving; Enriched Air Diver (Nitrox) [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. The long-serving Danny Murphy was one such player. But once Benitez had decided to sacrifice Alonso to bring in Barry, the writing was on the wall. Rafa Benitez has praised Liverpool teenager Stefan Bajcetic ahead of tonight's Champions League first leg clash with Real Madrid. [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. The. [74][75] This was followed by a 00 draw at home to Fulham and a 31 loss to West Ham. I knew he wasnt the man for me, but because it was Liverpool I just had to sign.. He smiled at me from behind his desk. But the media was not interested anymore. [38], Nevertheless, on 18 March 2009, shortly after registering a 40 victory over Real Madrid and 41 victory over Manchester United, Bentez signed a new five-year deal with the club. [139] Bentez often plays key players in unorthodox positions to suit a formation notably converting both Steven Gerrard (in the 200506 season) and Dirk Kuyt into right-wingers. Initially, he joined Parla on loan, but eventually signed for them permanently and helped them gain promotion to Segunda Divisin B. 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. 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. [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. [106], On 11 March 2016, Bentez was appointed as the manager of relegation threatened Newcastle United, signing on an initial three-year deal. The players and the people at the top of the club knew how I felt. Liverpool: Jurgen Klopp sent Real Madrid message by Rafa Benitez 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. Benitez did far more. [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. Arsecast Extra Episode 513 - 20.02.2023 I would be against myself if I made such a decision. Craig Bellamy joined Liverpool from Blackburn Rovers in a 6m deal in June 2006. He was highly regarded for his tactical acumen[136][137] particularly in European ties, setting his team up to exploit opposition weaknesses. End of story.". START DATES 2021-22 FA Community Shield But dont tell me you need pace. [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. "Yet even now they are talking about signing another centre half.". You'll also get the latest transfer talk and analysis every day for FREE! Starting the following season strongly, his manager even called for him to be given an England call-up. A controversial early goal in the second leg from Luis Garca saw Liverpool win 10 on aggregate and reach the final against Milan. Rafa Benitez believes Real Madrid's Santiago Bernabeu stadium could be key to who wins their Champions League clash with Liverpool. [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. 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. 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. 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. Sometimes there were rows, others were just ostracised from the team, but all of them knew their Reds days were numbered after crossing paths with the Spaniard. [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. Therefore, I'm happy to give you some advice for emulating his Liverpool 4-2-3-1 tactic. "Stevie was unbelievable playing that 10. Scott played in the cups. 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. [31] It later emerged that Jrgen Klinsmann had been offered Bentez's job before eventually accepting the post of Bayern Munich manager. Well talk in a moment, Jerzy. No, lets talk now. This is the place to moan and discuss about every single thing that happened in games and with your team. Rafael Benitez: Police investigate reports of banner threatening ex In the red corner, Achraf Hakimi is a fight away from one of the greatest underdog stories of all time. Let us know in the comments section below Albert Rieras falling out with Benitez is pretty cut and dry. Former Everton, Liverpool, Newcastle United and Chelsea manager Rafa Benitez is reportedly in the reckoing to take charge of Olympiacos. [42] Alonso was immediately replaced in the squad by Italian midfielder Alberto Aquilani, signed from Roma for 17million, who was recovering from a long-term injury. After everything the coach has put me through, I'm not going to give him that parting gift (of a fee). 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[102][103] Real Madrid remained unbeaten in the league until a 32 loss at Sevilla in the 11th matchday. ", "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? [57] His first league win as manager came on 11 September 2010, a 21 win against Udinese at the San Siro. A stalwart under Gerard Houllier, Murphy never really had a falling out with the Spaniard as such. Other semi final Wolves V Southampton. ", "Sammy Lee back as Liverpool assistant coach", "Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez and chief exec Rick Parry call a truce", "Never Walk Alone? I knew I had to get away from Benitez. Rafa Benitez News: Latest updates after Everton sacking - Mail Online Former Liverpool Manager Rafa Benitez Reveals Two Transfers That [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. '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. "[118], On 2 July 2019, Bentez was appointed manager of Chinese Super League side Dalian Professional (formerly Dalian Yifang), signing a two-and-a-half-year deal. Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo scored the goals in the first half to hand Liverpool a much-needed victory. Rafael Bentez: 'When I see Ancelotti, we don't talk about Istanbul much' 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. He returned to Italy in 2013 to coach Napoli, where he won the Coppa Italia and Supercoppa Italiana. In the next game, a 00 draw against Canada, he was injured in a hard tackle. [147][146] Francisco died in December 2005 while Bentez was in Japan for the FIFA Club World Championship. "When you have so many instructions, it makes it so difficult. Carl Lewis? [15] He was unable, however, to convince Michael Owen to extend his contract; he was subsequently sold to Real Madrid. Half time: Liverpool 0-0 Wolves - redandwhitekop.com 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). [92] Benitez didn't take part in the lap of honour after the match, but many fans showed their appreciation for his efforts during the season, a notable contrast to the hostile reception he received before. 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. [54] [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. It was such a special, important moment that I took the decision that I needed to be there, Alonso explained. If they go down Ill come back to Liverpool and stay until my contract ends or you can sell me then. Get all the latest Liverpool breaking news, team news, transfer rumours, injury updates plus analysis of what's next for the Reds. Liverpool FC today confirmed that Rafael Benitez is to leave the club by mutual consent. Liverpool came from 20 down and were losing 32 in stoppage time when Steven Gerrard scored a dramatic late equalizer. I didnt know what to do, I didnt want to leave! 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. 4-2-3-1 Everton Predicted Lineup Vs Watford- The 4th Official "Honestly, Rafa was a nightmare like that. 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. 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. I was in touch with Meier regularly and he told me Benitez wouldnt speak to him, but was saying Klns offer was unacceptable. Now in charge at Everton, Lucas Digne could be the latest player to not get a second chance with Benitez after the France international defender found himself dropped in recent weeks following a reported falling out between the pair.