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On two occasions early last season, against Fulham and Lyon, the fans booed when I was subbed. We were sitting in his office, just about to sign, and he showed me a picture of me shouting at a player! He left the club by mutual consent in January 2021 before taking over as manager at Everton in June. Rafael Benitez predicted, in this very space, on Tuesday morning, precisely where the risk lay when it came to Liverpool v Real Madrid. 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. But it was Liverpool Football Club. Bentez was appointed as manager of Newcastle United in March 2016 in an attempt to save the club from relegation. I got more and more frustrated with him until transfer deadline day when I finally boiled over. Rafa Benitez promised me a certain development, but very quickly he took away that promise and it was a totally different situation. "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.". "It was for the Champions League quarter-final squad against Inter," Alonso said. The man management was down to his staff. Liverpool finished third in the league, missing out on second place by one point. Milan Baros finished Benitezs first season at Liverpool as the clubs top goalscorer. But then for the first game of the new season I wasn't in the team again. The euphoria of lifting the European Cup 15 years ago today is a feeling Rafael Benitez will never forget. 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. Starting the following season strongly, his manager even called for him to be given an England call-up. On the face of it, Yossi Benayouns relationship with Benitez was a pretty standard one with the Israel international proving himself to be an important player for Liverpool. Xabi Alonsos relationship with Benitez is a curious one. 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. Not quite fitting into the Reds favoured system, failing to forge a successful partnership with Fernando Torres and not being suited to lead the line when the Spaniard was injured all contributed to his premature departure. 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"We were going into labour, and I told Rafa that I could not go. "I had to be with my partner. It says plenty about the dysfunction at the club that days later, Benitez has gone. The centre-back had been first-choice under Houllier, forming a brilliant partnership alongside Sami Hyypia, and its no coincidence that Liverpools form under the Frenchman faltered when the Switzerland international endured prolonged periods on the sidelines through injury. Bentez was appointed coach of Valencia and won La Liga in the 200102 season. . Ill have Scott and a kid from the Academy. Don't do or say anything. [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. "[14], One of Bentez's first tasks at Liverpool was to convince club captain Steven Gerrard not to move to Chelsea. 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 an exchange with Benitez did leave the Frenchman rather bemused on his way out. The manager understood my decision., Meanwhile, Benitez told his player: "When he is born, you call me and we decide. However, the second leg was cancelled and Madrid were disqualified for fielding an ineligible player. 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. [85] He described his relationship with Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich as "excellent" and expressed his desire to remain as Chelsea manager until the end of the season. Kimberly Goldson is getting some long overdue attention from fashion magazines for bold looks that she showed at NYFW. "Once you reached that euphoria that satisfaction and happiness, you enjoy the moment and see everything around you, all the red with so many people with so much passion. I was feeling glum. The long-serving Danny Murphy was one such player. [53] On 15 June 2010, Bentez was presented to the Italian media for the first time after signing a two-year deal. 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. 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. The thinking fan's Chelsea blog. After he ignored me for a long time, he needed me for Europe when Ryan Babel was suspended. 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. "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. "But then as we went on he left me totally on my own and only judged me for the things I didnt do right instead of telling me how to solve or improve the things I had to improve. [102][103] Real Madrid remained unbeaten in the league until a 32 loss at Sevilla in the 11th matchday. [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. What are your plans for next season? he said. Due to this unbeaten run, Benitez was nominated for the Manager of the Month award. 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. By Rafa Benitez May 24, 2020 Happy Istanbul Day! Im still trying to come to terms with the disappointment of whats just happened and now you tell me you want to get rid of me. 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. However, the current Blues boss has taken . What if Pepe gets injured next week? 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. He left the club, and coached Tenerife in 2000, winning promotion in his only season. The title challenge, however, fizzled out early in the season, with Liverpool's poor form away from Anfield leading to speculation Bentez's tenure at Liverpool was short-lived, with his agent quoted as saying Bentez would consider offers to manage in Italy. 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! He was doing his job, I get that, but it was hard. 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. [106], On 11 March 2016, Bentez was appointed as the manager of relegation threatened Newcastle United, signing on an initial three-year deal. The fans could see what it meant to me. We played attacking football. 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. Join our group for FREE by clicking here! 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. [49] The club subsequently exited the UEFA Europa League at the hands of Atltico Madrid. [23], Bentez's signings helped the club's Premiership form improve considerably. They thought I was playing well but Benitez told me he was surprised the fans booed because I was not good enough. Yet, the Spaniard is not a monster. That is something I can never forget. He also played a further three games for the Spain Universities XI. When I scored, I still expected to be out of the team the next game. "It was such a bad season for me. [148][149], Rafael Bentez married Maria Montserrat[150][151][152] in 1998. "There are many examples of him treating me badly. About Us; Staff; Camps; Scuba. I remember the conversation and he was all right, to be fair. If your player didn't start or saw a red card, or you picked the wrong player, captain, or other, this is the place to share all your rants. He knows what he wants and how to get it. For some reason it was important that I reach 350 matches and an exact average of fifty per season. 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. [52], On 10 June 2010, and only a few days after leaving Liverpool, Bentez agreed a deal to become the new head coach of Serie A and reigning Champions League title-holders Inter Milan, a post that was left vacant by the departure of Jos Mourinho, who left to manage Real Madrid. This was followed by a 40 home loss in the first Clsico of the season against Barcelona. Rafa Benitez & Jamie Carragher on how Liverpool won the Champions League in 2005 Sky Sports Premier League 1.1M views 3 years ago Simon Jordan SLAMS Rafa Benitez for making out his. Then he told him who were coming in for me Tottenham, Charlton and Everton. His final match was a 42 defeat to Lazio, who took the final place in the Champions League at Napoli's expense.[101]. "I will remember Liverpool fondly as a success but not the situation I've found myself in. I agreed to join Chelsea before Roy Hodgson was appointed Liverpool's new manager. [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. The next couple of days were a couple of the hardest days of my life. Then he said: I think its time we go our separate ways, Riise recalled in his 2018 autobiography. [36] Striker Keane was later re-sold back to Tottenham Hotspur in the January transfer window, with some analysts claiming he was a "pawn in a power struggle" between Bentez and the club's owners. In 1985, he signed for Segunda Divisin B club Linares and under Enrique Mateos, he served as a player/coach. 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. [8], In 2001, Bentez was appointed coach of Valencia, replacing Hctor Cper. Starting the 3-2 AET second leg defeat a week later, it would prove to be his final appearance for the club as Benitez called him into his office to tell him he would be sold and wouldnt be involved for the remaining games of the season. I havent played all season. [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. 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. Being told youre no longer wanted at Liverpool by Rafa that was a tough one, he told TalkSPORT. "There were times when I would get so angry about how boring and repetitive training was that I would just lose it and shout, For f**ks sake just give us a bit of a five-a-side!. But dont tell me you need pace. 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. That exchange took place just days into his Liverpool career and involved Benitez asking him to write down his misdemeanours and faults. 20th Sep 2022, 7:39am. Rafa came to sit next to me, he recalled in his 2013 autobiography. "I'm not going to leave simply for the sake of leaving. "We have not had any talk about why it is. After leaving Liverpool in June 2010, Bentez was appointed manager of treble-winning side Inter Milan. 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. "[122] Benitez is only the second person to manage both Liverpool and Everton, since William Edward Barclay in 1890s. Admittedly I never really asked the manager, but he never said anything either, never said I wasn't good enough. When that starts happening, you have to assume it is something personal, rather than professional. I just sat there, half in shock. 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. [12], On 16 June 2004, Bentez was appointed manager of Liverpool, replacing Grard Houllier, becoming the first Spaniard to manage in the Premier League. Everton won four of their first six league games under Benitez, taking 13 points from a possible 18, but their form has collapsed since October. [41] Alonso said that Bentez's attempts to sell him the previous summer were a deciding factor in his move. 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. They are just choosing to spend it more cautiously. "Everyone asks me why I left Liverpool," he told the News of the World.. "There is only one reason - Rafa Benitez. [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. [89] This made Bentez only the second manager after Giovanni Trapattoni to have won the UEFA Cup/Europa League with two different teams, and Chelsea became the fourth club overall and first in Britain to have won all three major European trophies. Rafael Bentez Maudes (born 16 April 1960) is a Spanish professional football manager and former player who most recently managed Premier League club Everton. You said youd help me. Former Everton, Liverpool, Newcastle United and Chelsea manager Rafa Benitez is reportedly in the reckoing to take charge of Olympiacos. Such a revelation damaged Bentez's relations with the Americans, with constant rumours linking the Spaniard with a move back to Real Madrid. I really need to play games to be prepared for the World Cup.. And he still lives in Liverpool. [20] Bentez's calm, methodical approach at half time was said to give the players the belief they could pull off an improbable comeback and win Liverpool an historic fifth European Cup. In the blue corner, Kylian Mbappe stands tall as the undisputed champion of the world. Mr Benitez relinquishes his position as team manager after six years and the Board of Directors would. The biggest problem I had with Rafa was the first day, he told Sky Sports. 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. . The Reds moved to six points adrift of fourth place after a 2-0 victory over Newcastle United. Benitez, 50, replaced Gerard Houllier as Liverpool manager in June 2004 and. Take it easy. I would go when everything was fine, catch a plane and show up there. At one point, rumours of Bentez quitting or being dismissed became so great that bookmakers had to suspend betting on the subject. Liverpool have announced manager Rafael Benitez has left the club by mutual consent after six years in charge. 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. So I asked who he was going to sign. This view was later supported by Sir Alex Ferguson. "Pollard � 419aTEJ continues to recover from a knee injury sustained late last year and Roach is still trying to get over a shoulder injury that forced him to return home from the tour of India without playing and required surgery."West Indies won the last edition of the tournament in 2012 after beating hosts Sri Lanka in the final in Colombo. 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. "Just before I left Liverpool last January was when they brought in Pellegrino," he told the Mail on Sunday. I havent really thought about it, I said. Malcolm Macdonald in a rare Newcastle United attack during the ill-fated FA Cup final against Liverpool on May 4, 1974 . "[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. Cisse admitted, after joining Marseille on loan, that he did hold a grudge against Benitez for forcing him out. [138] His calm demeanour and tactical changes at half time of the 2005 UEFA Champions League Final were said to give players belief they could battle back from 30 down, although he had to correct his plans when it was pointed out to him his new formation would require 12 players on the pitch. While Premier League Team A vs Premier League Team B is meant to be the main attraction of the Sky Sports show . Its like telling (Lionel) Messi you need technique. The Spanish gaffer delved into some of the players. This time, Pepe Reina saved three penalties during the shoot-out to secure the silverware. Also added was England defender Glen Johnson for a 17.5million fee. [100], Bentez announced that he would resign at the end of the 201415 season. The lads could see I was fuming so all hung around to see what would happen. I raised my voice. At half-time of the Champions League final, Benitez's Reds were 3-0 . Rafael Benitez has told Jurgen Klopp which team he should pick for Liverpool's huge Champions League clash against Real Madrid. Istanbul's districts extend far from the city center along the full length of the Bosphorus (with the Black Sea at top and the Sea of Marmara at bottom). [19], In a classic final, dubbed the Miracle of Istanbul, Liverpool came from 30 down at half time to level the score at 33 in the space of just six minutes, eventually triumphing 32 on penalties with the assistance of goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek. [104] Meanwhile, Real topped their UEFA Champions League group with 16 points. 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. [9], Valencia fans also were soon won over by Bentez after he introduced a more attacking style of play than his predecessor, Cper. 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. 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. "Yet even now they are talking about signing another centre half.". Rafael Benitez might have been sacked by Premier League club Everton, but the red half of Merseyside still remembers him fondly. Imagine the pressure Id be under if that happened, Why should I care? You could benefit from new challenges and weve bought a new left-back that we intend to rely on Liverpool had purchased Andrea Dossena from Udinese for 7million, but that kind of thing had happened before. [15] He was unable, however, to convince Michael Owen to extend his contract; he was subsequently sold to Real Madrid. [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. [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. My objective is to go to the World Cup and for this I have to play. 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. After his success with the U19s, Bentez then succeeded Garca Remn at the start of the 199394 season. The more we have seen of him the more impressed we have become. [88], In the Europa League final against Benfica on 15 May, Chelsea won 21.