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. 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. Another altercation between Bellamy and Benitez would take place in the Spaniards office after the Welshman was fined for taking a penalty against Birmingham City when Robbie Fowler had been the designated taker. Bentez called me and said I wasnt in his plans, so it was better for me to find a (new) club. Benitez spent six years as Liverpool manager, winning the Champions League in 2005 and reaching the final of the competition in 2007. Pennant simply wrote "GIRLS" in capital letters - and it was downhill for him from there. 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. 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. START DATES 2021-22 FA Community Shield "Stevie was unbelievable playing that 10. [65][66][67][68] He was unveiled as the new Chelsea manager at a press conference on 22 November 2012. Let us know in the comments section below Albert Rieras falling out with Benitez is pretty cut and dry. 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. At the start of the 198687 season, he was appointed coach of Castilla B. Then he said: I think its time we go our separate ways, Riise recalled in his 2018 autobiography. 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. [6], The first attempts by Bentez at senior management away from the Real Madrid fold were less than successful. Commenting on Benitez's touchline instructions, he said: "On the pitch, often I can see whats best. He left the club in June 2019 and the following month was appointed manager of Chinese Super League club Dalian Professional. Given Bellamys reputation, you can imagine these were not the only occasions when the duo failed to see eye to eye. [31] It later emerged that Jrgen Klinsmann had been offered Bentez's job before eventually accepting the post of Bayern Munich manager. 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. . 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. Olivia Shears and Katie Whyatt were highly commended in an historic one-two-three: it was the first time in the competition's history [] The Reds play the Spanish champions on Tuesday in the round of 16 first-leg at Anfield. Due to this unbeaten run, Benitez was nominated for the Manager of the Month award. The injury saw him sidelined for a year and hampered his chances of becoming a major player. 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. 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. [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. "There are many examples of him treating me badly. Gary Neville vs Jamie Carragher is often the best part of Monday Night Football.. After leaving Liverpool in June 2010, Bentez was appointed manager of treble-winning side Inter Milan. 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. That exchange took place just days into his Liverpool career and involved Benitez asking him to write down his misdemeanours and faults. By Will Rooney 17th Jan 2022, 2:32pm Former Everton medical chief Dan Donachie has appeared to have taken a swipe at Rafa Benitez after he was axed as manager. Bentez argued he needed to rotate his small squad to ensure key players were fit for the latter stages of these knockout competitions. Further injury problems saw him miss almost the entire 198586 season and he subsequently retired as a player. I was really upset. I felt so unhappy but, out of respect to the club, I never spoke out. 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. In 1985, he signed for Segunda Divisin B club Linares and under Enrique Mateos, he served as a player/coach. We use your sign-up to provide content in the ways you've consented to and improve our understanding of you. 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. He moved away from Real Madrid in 1995, but management spells at Real Valladolid and Osasuna were short-lived and unsuccessful. 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. But once Benitez had decided to sacrifice Alonso to bring in Barry, the writing was on the wall. The fans could see what it meant to me. Liverpool were hit with budget restrictions in 2006, and then-reds boss Benitez was only given 10 million to spend on a right-midfielder. 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. 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. We have since done another (better) post on Rafa Benitez's Liverpool. The situation is said to be dire and Leach may have suffered seizures. Sign up here - it only takes a few seconds! About Us; Staff; Camps; Scuba. And whatever the reason, it is clear there was a breakdown in their relationship which ultimately ended with the midfielder signing for Real Madrid. LIVE Transfer Talk: Man United monitoring Lewandowski's future. [13] On his arrival he stated: "It is like a dream to be here. 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. Rafael Benitez has told Jurgen Klopp which team he should pick for Liverpool's huge Champions League clash against Real Madrid. The 36-year-old joined the. Milan Baros finished Benitez's first season at Liverpool as the club's top goalscorer. 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. [131] In his 2013 autobiography, Ferguson said that "Benitez bought badly and made the feud personal". Starting the following season strongly, his manager even called for him to be given an England call-up. I really need to play games to be prepared for the World Cup.. Bentez was appointed as manager of Newcastle United in March 2016 in an attempt to save the club from relegation. Rafa came to sit next to me, he recalled in his 2013 autobiography. [147][146] Francisco died in December 2005 while Bentez was in Japan for the FIFA Club World Championship. 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. That was why, when Pako Ayestarn (his assistant) went, they had a parting of the ways and things started to go downhill a bit.". Making 52 appearances in 2006/07, that dropped to 25 in 2007/08 while he was frozen out in 2008/09 altogether, featuring just four times and making only two Premier League starts before being sent on loan to Portsmouth. Ryan Babel was just 20 when he joined Liverpool from Ajax in an 11.5m deal in the summer of 2007. I hadnt got on. Maybe I will never swallow it. [109] Bentez would have to wait until 16 April for his first win in charge of The Magpies, recording a convincing 30 victory over Swansea City in the Premier League. "You see that the team are not doing well and there are no changes. [62][63] On 23 December 2010, just five days after bringing Inter to the triumph, Bentez was dismissed by Inter. The euphoria of lifting the European Cup 15 years ago today is a feeling Rafael Benitez will never forget. Whether it was wrong or right to let him go or whether his time in charge of Liverpool could be considered a success or not . [54] 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. 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. But the players he brought in werent bad, were they? Carl Lewis? That is something I can never forget. It was a normal Craig Bellamy picture in a newspaper! The man management was down to his staff. "I'm not one of these players that likes to sit around on the bench and just pick my money up. "Honestly, Rafa was a nightmare like that. Given his past, the manager was a controversial choice. I meet him from time to time like at Pepe Reinas wedding, or some family parties.. But this season I have not played at all. When Allardyce was manager of Newcastle, he suggested Bentez would have been dismissed had Liverpool's European form been as bad as their league form. It was just a case of his manager no longer wanting him in his squad, with the defender going on to sign for Roma in 4m deal. I miss all that a little.". [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. Benitez famously led Liverpool to the 2004-05 Champions League crown, and has twice won the UEFA Cup (Valencia, Chelsea). ago. But the media was not interested anymore. . You said youd do everything to get a deal through. "Youve got two sets of instructions in your mind and youre left wondering what to do. Rafa Benitez spent six years at Liverpool before a shorter stint as Everton manager (PA) Rafa Benitez has admitted that he has split loyalties ahead of the Merseyside derby, refusing to. When Craig Dawson is the best defender - possibly player - over 45 minutes, it sums up our issues. 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. John Barnes is more worried about Manchester United coming to Liverpool on Sunday than he has been in recent times. 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. Despite their best efforts, the Toon were beaten by six minutes worth of Manchester United attack. Connect with Liverpool fans from around the world in our official supporters group. The French hit-man was booked for pulling his shirt over . I need to play. 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. Benitez did far more. 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. A week-and-a-half later and there was no progress. Ill have Scott and a kid from the Academy. Bentez, however, later explained this gesture: he said he had previously told Xabi Alonso to take a short free-kick. Signed in an 8m from Espanyol in the summer of 2008, he featured regularly in his first season with the club as Liverpool fell narrowly short in the Premier League title-race. 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. Liverpool also won the FA Cup beating both Manchester United and Chelsea, as well as a thrilling 53 win against Luton Town in the third round, on the way to the final against West Ham United. He said he understood and liked my desire to be playing so negotiations with Kln continued. Halfway through the 199091 season he succeeded Jos Antonio Camacho as the coach of Real Madrid's under-19 team. 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]. Plenty predicted that Benitez's name would be sung at Anfield more than Goodison and so it proved. I knew he wasnt the man for me, but because it was Liverpool I just had to sign.. 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. Rafa Benitez believes Real Madrid's Santiago Bernabeu stadium could be key to who wins their Champions League clash with Liverpool. I just tried to put the ball there and Ivanovic did the rest. Xabi Alonso, Luis Garcia they won the Champions League that following season and he was justified.. [55] On 27 August 2010 in Monaco, Inter lost to Atltico Madrid in the 2010 UEFA Super Cup. [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. They thought I was playing well but Benitez told me he was surprised the fans booed because I was not good enough. "[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. Former Liverpool player and Chile international Mark Gonzalez has suffered from a heart attack and is currently in hospital recovering, as confirmed by his wife. 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. "[14], One of Bentez's first tasks at Liverpool was to convince club captain Steven Gerrard not to move to Chelsea. He also confirmed that he would be leaving the club at the end of the season. "It was such a bad season for me. He was dismissed in January 2022 after a run where Everton lost 9 out of 13 games. "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.''. 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. In terms of team instructions I think you nailed it. The players and the people at the top of the club knew how I felt. [106], On 11 March 2016, Bentez was appointed as the manager of relegation threatened Newcastle United, signing on an initial three-year deal. The 37-year-old, who retired at the end of an unsuccessful Ashes tour of England in 2015, said he would consider returning in any capacity to help out Cricket Australia (CA)."I would do anything to 419HbFo help the Australian cricket team," he told Australia's Daily Telegraph newspaper on Sunday. Keep up to date with the latest breaking news, transfer gossip and everything LFC with thousands of Reds! This is a player who had spent time in prison and played in the Premier League wearing an electronic tag after all. 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. [69][70][71] He appointed Boudewijn Zenden as his new assistant manager at Chelsea on the same day. If they go down Ill come back to Liverpool and stay until my contract ends or you can sell me then. This instruction was ignored, which resulted in a goal. All I ever wanted to do is just to play football.". 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. It was the club's 10th Premier League defeat of the season - and their ninth in their last 12 league matches - to leave . On 21 August 2010, Bentez won his first trophy as manager, the Italian Super Cup, after they defeated Roma 31. I tried to convince him to change his mind: What have you got to lose? 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. The more we have seen of him the more impressed we have become. Rafael Benitez's last interview as Everton boss. Real Madrid B were then playing in the Segunda Divisin and on 4 September 1993, he made his debut as a Segunda Divisin manager with a 31 over Hrcules. It was the same for me. [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. 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. John Arne Riise was another player who had his future taken out of his own hands by Benitez, with the Spaniard telling the Norwegian it was time for him to move on. "I was disappointed and that is all. 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. He was highly regarded for his tactical acumen[136][137] particularly in European ties, setting his team up to exploit opposition weaknesses. [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. They are just choosing to spend it more cautiously. 20th Sep 2022, 7:39am. [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. [78] This was followed by a 31 away victory to Sunderland, with Bentez presiding over his first league win as Chelsea manager. After so many years, thats something wonderful that stays in your memory forever". Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. I want to know.. "[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. increasingly disappointed. Scuba Certification; Private Scuba Lessons; Scuba Refresher for Certified Divers; Try Scuba Diving; Enriched Air Diver (Nitrox) Benitez tried to break me like he broke Riera. Having just witnessed arguably the most stunning comeback in the competition's history, when Rafa Benitez's unfancied side had fought back from 3-0 down to a world-class AC Milan outfit to win on . [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 as if the fans' reaction worked against me. [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. Re: Half time: Liverpool 0-0 Wolves. What are your plans for next season? he said. Key players missed much of the season through injury and Liverpool failed to challenge Chelsea and Arsenal for the league title, finishing fifth. 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. 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May 25, 2005 is a date that will forever have its place in Liverpool FC folklore thanks to events at Istanbul's Ataturk Stadium. Take part in our Liverpool FC 'Keep or Sell' survey: While Murphy was moved on straight away, it was a different story for Stephane Henchoz. Bentez also quickly sold Josemi and Antonio Nez, two of his first signings in English football, after they failed to establish themselves, with the likes of Peter Crouch, Mohamed Sissoko, Daniel Agger as well as former Liverpool player Robbie Fowler being brought in to strengthen the side. It was a permanent deal or nothing as far as he was concerned. Bentez's tactics were credited as a key factor in Liverpool reaching, and winning, the final, despite a relatively unimpressive squad of players.

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