[148][149], Rafael Bentez married Maria Montserrat[150][151][152] in 1998. He left the club in June 2019 and the following month was appointed manager of Chinese Super League club Dalian Professional. Even Ali looks a shadow of himself. It was up and down but at the same time I had a great experience there. [131] In his 2013 autobiography, Ferguson said that "Benitez bought badly and made the feud personal". Published: 20:09, 16 Jan 2022 Updated: 20:09, 16 Jan 2022 LIVERPOOL legend Jamie Carragher was quick to take to social media to make light of Rafa Benitez's sacking at Everton. But then for the first game of the new season I wasn't in the team again. Liverpool finished the calendar year top of the Premier League for the first time since 1996. 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. You'll also get the latest transfer talk and analysis every day for FREE! But come the start of the season he didnt get a look in. It was such a special, important moment that I took the decision that I needed to be there, Alonso explained. Rafael Benitez might have been sacked by Premier League club Everton, but the red half of Merseyside still remembers him fondly. "[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. [132] In a match in April 2009 when Allardyce was manager of Blackburn, he accused Bentez of arrogance over a gesture he made when Fernando Torres scored Liverpool's second goal. He moved away from Real Madrid in 1995, but management spells at Real Valladolid and Osasuna were short-lived and unsuccessful. He did, however, meet the fitness instructor Pako Ayestarn at the club, and went on to form a partnership with him at several clubs for the next decade. ago. 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. 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. [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. It was a normal Craig Bellamy picture in a newspaper! ", 'Pubs need to adapt' if they are going to survive the times ahead, "Although we are living during a cost-of-living crisis people still do have money. However, time heals all wounds and Cisse was a lot more positive about Benitez when speaking exclusively to the ECHO back in February this year. 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. That's when Chelsea made an offer and the deal was done before Benitez left. 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. I just tried to put the ball there and Ivanovic did the rest. Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo scored the goals in the first half to hand Liverpool a much-needed victory. 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 just sat there, half in shock. He told me he needed pace up front. He had to protect his interests, but it was hard to be on the receiving end of it., Knowing he would leave Liverpool at the end of his contract in 2007, Dudek at the time said Benitez had treated him like a slave.. [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. Rafael Benitez has told Jurgen Klopp which team he should pick for Liverpool's huge Champions League clash against Real Madrid. In terms of team instructions I think you nailed it. You listen to his former team-mates and all say the Spaniards relationship with his compatriot completely broke down during his final season at Liverpool, before putting in a transfer request and leaving for Real Madrid in a 30m deal in the summer of 2009. [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. YOU would have got good odds on someone called Fofana saving Graham Potter from more death threats. 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 called me and said I wasnt in his plans, so it was better for me to find a (new) club. The more we have seen of him the more impressed we have become. At the start of the 198687 season, he was appointed coach of Castilla B. Again, it was another case of Benitez controversially deciding a players time at Liverpool were up, with reputation and price-tag making no difference to his decision. [24][140], Bentez is a firm believer in squad rotation and zonal marking. "I scored 19 goals and I never played! "When the coach says nothing to you and you are well, with no physical problems and training well, you cannot help but think it must be something personal. 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. What if Pepe gets injured next week? [65][66][67][68] He was unveiled as the new Chelsea manager at a press conference on 22 November 2012. If I leave the Reds, I would like to play in a team which would be at least at the same level as Liverpool in regard to playing in European competitions. I was really upset. Frankly, I am proud of that. Re: Half time: Liverpool 0-0 Wolves. Still remember seeing him pull what appeared to be a tooth out of his mouth after colliding with a goalpost. "[122] Benitez is only the second person to manage both Liverpool and Everton, since William Edward Barclay in 1890s. 4y Dave Usher. [8], Bentez subsequently quit Extremadura and took a year off from football to study in England and Italy. On two occasions early last season, against Fulham and Lyon, the fans booed when I was subbed. He's never sorted out a situation with a player by talking with him. Bentez argued he needed to rotate his small squad to ensure key players were fit for the latter stages of these knockout competitions. Joshua Askew -. [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. This is what hurts me. 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. And I remember thinking, oh my, this is going to be trouble, this is going to be difficult for me'. In 1981, Bentez joined Tercera Divisin side Parla. Later in the summer transfer window, Bentez signed several players from La Liga, most notably Luis Garca and Xabi Alonso, both of whom drew immediate admiration from Liverpool supporters. Yet he scored just one Premier League goal in the second half of the season and was sold to Aston Villa in. Subscribe to the CV Academy. A club-record 14m signing from Auxerre the same summer of Benitezs arrival, the only problem for Djibril Cisse was it was Houllier rather than the Spaniard who sanctioned the switch. Well talk in a moment, Jerzy. No, lets talk now. The only problem was the media, he insisted. 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. Allardyce suggested that Bentez had signalled the game was over despite Liverpool only having a two-goal lead. 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. In his second interview he said: "I do not want to make trouble with the manager. "When a player knows he is a slave, he'll never give his employer his heart.. And whatever the reason, it is clear there was a breakdown in their relationship which ultimately ended with the midfielder signing for Real Madrid. I havent really thought about it, I said. Liverpool have announced manager Rafael Benitez has left the club by mutual consent after six years in charge. The Reds play the Spanish champions on Tuesday in the round of 16 first-leg at Anfield. I want to know.. 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. But the players he brought in werent bad, were they? [40], Prior to Bentez's final season at Liverpool, Xabi Alonso, one of the key members of Bentez's squad, was sold to Real Madrid following a lengthy pursuit in a deal reportedly worth 30million. Youre a big name, you can play anywhere at all. Rafa Benitez is my favourite coach in world football. He left the club by mutual consent in January 2021 before taking over as manager at Everton in June. If its the way I play or the way I am, fine. Upon his arrival he had two very big personnel issues to tend to. Therefore, I'm happy to give you some advice for emulating his Liverpool 4-2-3-1 tactic. This is the place to moan and discuss about every single thing that happened in games and with your team. At first, I thought maybe he was going actually coming to justify his decision to leave me out. Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has issued an apology of behalf of Djibril Cisse following his controversial behaviour at Newcastle on Sunday. This is nonsense and it is a fabrication that I wanted to leave the stadium. Liverpool fans knew that 'Agent Rafa' would not be there more than a season, and so it has proven. START DATES 2021-22 FA Community Shield [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. [93], On 27 May 2013, it was announced that Bentez had signed for Napoli, whose manager Walter Mazzarri had resigned. At half-time of the Champions League final, Benitez's Reds were 3-0 . "[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. He was doing his job, I get that, but it was hard. You didnt mean it., I cannot let you go on loan. Bentez played as a midfielder for both Real Madrid Aficionados in the Tercera Divisin and Castilla CF in the Segunda Divisin. The Reds moved to six points adrift of fourth place after a 2-0 victory over Newcastle United. Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. Get all the latest Liverpool breaking news, team news, transfer rumours, injury updates plus analysis of what's next for the Reds. But it was Liverpool Football Club. "Right now the only market open is the Russian one, I have offers from two teams and, looking at my situation, that has made me reflect a lot.". [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. He then left Napoli and became coach of Real Madrid in June 2015 on an initial three-year contract. In some ways, it is a surprise that Benitez lasted this long. When I scored, I still expected to be out of the team the next game. Shortly after his departure from Anfield, Bentez made a 96,000 donation to the Hillsborough Family Support Group. [12], On 16 June 2004, Bentez was appointed manager of Liverpool, replacing Grard Houllier, becoming the first Spaniard to manage in the Premier League. They stopped me from being free. He was appointed manager of Real Valladolid for the 199596 season, but was dismissed after only two wins in 23 games with the club bottom of La Liga. Bentez, however, later explained this gesture: he said he had previously told Xabi Alonso to take a short free-kick. See you on Wednesday.. "When you have so many instructions, it makes it so difficult. After everything the coach has put me through, I'm not going to give him that parting gift (of a fee). 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. However, the current Blues boss has taken . His dialogue with the players is practically nil. 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. It means that, suddenly, you mess up with a simple pass because your mind is all over the place. At one point, rumours of Bentez quitting or being dismissed became so great that bookmakers had to suspend betting on the subject. I have no problem talking to people. 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 they come back today to buy you, they need to double their offer as this is the last day of the transfer window.. [127], Bentez has had confrontations with both Jos Mourinho (Chelsea manager from 2004 to 2007) and Manchester United's Sir Alex Ferguson during his time in English football. The situation got worse afterwards. [134] Bentez's ruthlessness can also be seen in the way he disposed of all but Gerrard and Jamie Carragher from his Champions League winning squad within four seasons, with penalty shoot-out hero Jerzy Dudek made back-up goalkeeper the very season after the European triumph. "I have to finally tell Rafa I'm leaving because maybe he's not aware of it, he said. By Will Rooney. 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. 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 . [25] Bentez swiftly issued a statement through the club's website re-affirming his desire to remain with Liverpool for the long term. This is a player who had spent time in prison and played in the Premier League wearing an electronic tag after all. "It was for the Champions League quarter-final squad against Inter," Alonso said. I raised my voice. 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. I understand what he was doing. Given Bellamys reputation, you can imagine these were not the only occasions when the duo failed to see eye to eye. His reign at the club was a short one and he was dismissed midway through the 201011 season. "I was disappointed and that is all. I got more and more frustrated with him until transfer deadline day when I finally boiled over. The manager ignored me when I wanted to know why. "It is good for Liverpool that Benitez has gone, but it was too late for me. Commenting on Benitez's touchline instructions, he said: "On the pitch, often I can see whats best. Then he told him who were coming in for me Tottenham, Charlton and Everton. Which Liverpool player do you wish Rafa Benitez had never sold? Other semi final Wolves V Southampton. He spoke a lot to us to change the intensity." "When I went there (Liverpool) I was told myself and Torres (would start) and Stevie would drop into the midfield but obviously as it went on I think Rafa liked Stevie playing that no.10. Being told youre no longer wanted at Liverpool by Rafa that was a tough one, he told TalkSPORT. I need to play. 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 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? "All players want to play in such great matches and I had been playing regularly before the Carling Cup final. ", "Sammy Lee back as Liverpool assistant coach", "Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez and chief exec Rick Parry call a truce", "Never Walk Alone? If you want to stay, theres not much point, I know you like playing and youre better off going. Rafa Benitez was sacked as Everton manager on Sunday after a 2-1 loss at Norwich City. He was dismissed in January 2022 after a run where Everton lost 9 out of 13 games. A stalwart under Gerard Houllier, Murphy never really had a falling out with the Spaniard as such. But while the striker disputed such claims, he did twice voice his grievances with some of his managers decisions to the press over the course of the season, prior to being sold to the Villans in a 6.5m deal. [94] Bentez agreed a two-year contract after meeting club president Aurelio De Laurentiis in London. It's a dream for me such a fantastic club have given me this opportunity. I had great contracts on the table, and choices of managers who really wanted me and that made me feel good. That is something I can never forget. Rafa came to sit next to me, he recalled in his 2013 autobiography. I was feeling glum. 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. He won a third league title with Real Madrid Youth B in 1990. I wasnt in the mood. A controversial early goal in the second leg from Luis Garca saw Liverpool win 10 on aggregate and reach the final against Milan. This time, Pepe Reina saved three penalties during the shoot-out to secure the silverware. It was as if the fans' reaction worked against me. Liverpool fans were seen singing his name during the side's. Rafael Benitez predicted, in this very space, on Tuesday morning, precisely where the risk lay when it came to Liverpool v Real Madrid. 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. 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. ", "Why Liverpool's Rafa Benitez is a master tactician", "Jamie Carragher: What really happened at half-time in Istanbul", "Rafa Benitez is the man behind Steven Gerrard's 100", "The cult of permanent rotation blights Bentez's bid for title", "Liverpool's demise against Chelsea the fault of Rafael Benitez's zonal marking", "RT Sport: Benitez stands by zonal marking", "Atltico fans ensure home is where the hatred is for Bentez", "Benitez to stay with Liverpool despite loss of father", "Montserrat Seara: "En nuestra primera cita Rafa me explic el 4-4-2", "Juventus seeking to prise Rafael Bentez away from Liverpool", "Rafa Benitez learned English listening to The Beatles and reveals man who inspired him to be manager", "Rafael Benitez replaces Roberto Di Matteo as Chelsea manager", "AD Parla: el tesoro que esconde Los Prados, el estadio en el que Rafa Bentez deslumbr como futbolista", "Rafael Benitez named Sky Bet Championship Manager of the Month", Complete management career stats at Liverpool-kop.com, Rafael Bentez management career statistics, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Rafael_Bentez&oldid=1140350114, *Club domestic league appearances and goals, This page was last edited on 19 February 2023, at 18:18. The season also saw Bentez make his debut in the Champions League, where his side reached the quarter-finals, losing to Inter Milan. What are your plans for next season? he said. Benitez defence a stern test for Liverpool's attack. It was a permanent deal or nothing as far as he was concerned.

Eddie Judge Job, Richmond Draft Picks 2022, How To Change Folder Color On Goodnotes, Articles R