Benitez went to Real Madrid instead and Rodgers limped on until Klopp, who had long since been identified as the perfect successor, made it clear he was ready to cut short his sabbatical.. I really need to play games to be prepared for the World Cup.. Yet he would return to Spurs just seven months later, and at an 8m loss, having quickly fallen out of favour under Benitez. "In my head it's as if I've already left. Its like telling (Lionel) Messi you need technique. 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. 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. [105] At the time of his dismissal, Real were third in La Liga, four points behind leaders Atltico Madrid and two points behind arch-rivals Barcelona, the latter of whom had a game in hand. ", '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. The injury saw him sidelined for a year and hampered his chances of becoming a major player. And I would like to play there constantly.". Ill get 800,000, great, but I cant spend it today and Ill be five months without an experienced reserve goalkeeper. Punching a Liverpool manager who had won the European Cup only a few months earlier wouldnt have looked too good on the CV I guess, but I was still angry. I had really to become an adult very quick and adapt. This is what hurts me. 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. I remember the conversation and he was all right, to be fair. I was in touch with Meier regularly and he told me Benitez wouldnt speak to him, but was saying Klns offer was unacceptable. Brooklyn, USA models-art.ru Joined June Brooklyn-based designer Kimberly Goldson competed in reality show 'Project Runway,' just landed in the Saks window, and is preparing to make. Im not James Milner, who keeps it simple. He also confirmed that he would be leaving the club at the end of the season. It's a little frustrating because you see that you can help. 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. You said youd help me. Like Bellamy, it is perhaps no surprise that Jermaine Pennant was a player not best suited to playing for a manager like Benitez, given his reputation and the disciplinary issues that dogged his career. Vales time at Liverpool with Rafa Benitez will help a lot as DOnald adapts his system of high pressing possession football, which is enjoyed by both men. "I scored 19 goals and I never played! [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. [31] It later emerged that Jrgen Klinsmann had been offered Bentez's job before eventually accepting the post of Bayern Munich manager. On each occasion I had accepted the challenge and emerged victorious from it. That's when Chelsea made an offer and the deal was done before Benitez left. They stopped me from being free. Xabi Alonsos relationship with Benitez is a curious one. 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.. According to Santiago Caizares, the squad was initially surprised but they were immediately won over by his modesty as he presented himself as quoted: "You come from the Champions League final and I come from Segunda Divisin, but humbly I think I have tools to make you improve". [144], Bentez instigated a host of backroom changes at the end of the 200809 season to improve the club's youth development, including the appointment of club legend Kenny Dalglish in a senior role at the academy. "Liverpool remains the place where I have suffered the most as a footballer, above all during the last season. This instruction was ignored, which resulted in a goal. [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. We were sitting in his office, just about to sign, and he showed me a picture of me shouting at a player! [11] These differences of opinion saw Bentez resign as Valencia coach on 1 June 2004. 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. 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. "When a player knows he is a slave, he'll never give his employer his heart.. "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.''. https://bit.ly/3Im9yA30:09 - Intro 0:16 - 4-2-3-1, how it transitions and roles out of possession 5:03 - In possession: Number. That was why, when Pako Ayestarn (his assistant) went, they had a parting of the ways and things started to go downhill a bit.". 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. I can do the 100 metres in less than 11 seconds. Further injury problems saw him miss almost the entire 198586 season and he subsequently retired as a player. [9], Valencia fans also were soon won over by Bentez after he introduced a more attacking style of play than his predecessor, Cper. [93], On 27 May 2013, it was announced that Bentez had signed for Napoli, whose manager Walter Mazzarri had resigned. I knew I had to get away from Benitez. Yet he scored just one Premier League goal in the second half of the season and was sold to Aston Villa in. [10], However, the following 200203 season was a disappointing one; the club failed to follow up on their title success, finishing 18 points behind champions Real Madrid, and missed out on the top four by a single point. [8], In 2001, Bentez was appointed coach of Valencia, replacing Hctor Cper. Rafa Benitez has given his verdict on Liverpool's chances of finishing in the Premier League's top four. "I'm not one of these players that likes to sit around on the bench and just pick my money up. In 2004, another La Liga league title and a UEFA Cup victory were added building on the foundation laid by Hctor Cper who had taken Valencia to two consecutive Champions League finals; in 2000 against Real Madrid, and in 2001 against Bayern Munich. 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. 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 dont know how, but I managed to stop myself. Despite this, poor results in the Champions League and a disagreement over future transfers lead to a public falling-out with the club's owners, which played out in the media at the end of November. He knows what he wants and how to get it. I felt he was waiting for me to make a mistake so he could use it against me. 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 . I would be against myself if I made such a decision. Liverpool finished third in the league, missing out on second place by one point. Or when Bentez takes me off during a game even if I haven't used up all my energy on the pitch. Bentez's tactics were credited as a key factor in Liverpool reaching, and winning, the final, despite a relatively unimpressive squad of players. Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has issued an apology of behalf of Djibril Cisse following his controversial behaviour at Newcastle on Sunday. He moved away from Real Madrid in 1995, but management spells at Real Valladolid and Osasuna were short-lived and unsuccessful. 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. 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. [121] Before signing the contract, he was a subject to threats from a group of Everton supporters who opposed his appointment and who left a banner near his home, reading "We know where you live. [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. [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. Bentez played as a midfielder for both Real Madrid Aficionados in the Tercera Divisin and Castilla CF in the Segunda Divisin. The euphoria of lifting the European Cup 15 years ago today is a feeling Rafael Benitez will never forget. GALLERY: Rafa Benitez's Liverpool years in pictures View gallery In 2013 he headed to Mexico to take over at Estudiantes Tecos and then last August he landed the job at Maccabi Tel Aviv in. He returned to Italy in 2013 to coach Napoli, where he won the Coppa Italia and Supercoppa Italiana. Despite their best efforts, the Toon were beaten by six minutes worth of Manchester United attack. Rafa Benitez has been in England working with Sky Sports and made clear that he would like to return to the Premier League after his last job with Everton.. "I am fine and happy in . May is a special month for. 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. Bentez said that he had jokingly signalled to Alonso to ignore his instructions and not that he thought the game was effectively over. They are just choosing to spend it more cautiously. I know everyone working there will be a lot happier and I believe Roy Hodgson is a good choice. He won his first league game in charge, beating Southampton 31. If I played well, I never felt he gave me credit. 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. [114], On 24 June 2019, Newcastle announced that Bentez would step down as Manager upon the expiration of his contract, and he departed the club on 30 June 2019. The previous season when we finished second in the Premier League, I was happy with my performance in the final months but I was not sure if the manager thought I was a good player,. Youre a big name, you can play anywhere at all. In terms of team instructions I think you nailed it. "I have to finally tell Rafa I'm leaving because maybe he's not aware of it, he said. Halfway through the 199091 season he succeeded Jos Antonio Camacho as the coach of Real Madrid's under-19 team. [49] The club subsequently exited the UEFA Europa League at the hands of Atltico Madrid. The French hit-man was booked for pulling his shirt over . There was an issue over whether it was a loan move first or a permanent transfer straight away. The club had previously approached Javier Irureta, Man and Luis Aragons and had been turned down by all three. Fifteen years after Liverpool beat AC Milan in the Champions League final, I will be sent that message a lot today. [86] Results continued to be mixed, and at one point Chelsea found themselves 16 points behind league leaders Manchester United, having been just four behind when Bentez was appointed. Despite the lack of silverware, the main talking points were off the pitch, with Bentez in the middle of a power struggle with the Liverpool board. Something went wrong, please try again later. 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. 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. At one point, rumours of Bentez quitting or being dismissed became so great that bookmakers had to suspend betting on the subject. [37] This off-field turmoil was in contrast to Liverpool's impressive start to the 200809 season in the Premier League, including Bentez' first ever league win against Manchester United at Anfield on 13 September and ending Chelsea's 86 match unbeaten run in the league at Stamford Bridge. increasingly disappointed. I agreed to join Chelsea before Roy Hodgson was appointed Liverpool's new manager. "[122] Benitez is only the second person to manage both Liverpool and Everton, since William Edward Barclay in 1890s. [21] In doing so, Bentez became only the third manager in history (after Bob Paisley and Jos Mourinho) to win the UEFA Cup and UEFA Champions League in successive seasons, and the second Liverpool manager (after Joe Fagan) ever to win the UEFA Champions League/European Cup in his first season in charge. Cisse admitted, after joining Marseille on loan, that he did hold a grudge against Benitez for forcing him out. I felt so unhappy but, out of respect to the club, I never spoke out. This time, Pepe Reina saved three penalties during the shoot-out to secure the silverware. I havent played all season. "I'm not going to leave simply for the sake of leaving. I've got two or three possibilities already and things are starting to move behind the scenes.". I have no problem talking to people. Scott played in the cups. The manager ignored me when I wanted to know why. 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). Were going to buy another striker, he said. Even Ali looks a shadow of himself. I wasnt in the mood. I thought: 'No matter how the manager is treating me, I'm showing the fans the club is in my heart.' 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. The coach and myself were not compatible. [126] With his sacking, Benitez became the fifth Everton manager to lose his job in the previous six years. 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Starting the following season strongly, his manager even called for him to be given an England call-up. "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'. From the latest transfers and match reports to training ground gossip and the running of the game, bridgeviews.co.uk offers a different perspective. 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.". I have some offers. [98][99] They lost 42 on aggregate to Athletic Bilbao in the qualifying stages, thus entering the Europa League. 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 . That exchange took place just days into his Liverpool career and involved Benitez asking him to write down his misdemeanours and faults. Then, when we played Birmingham after I hadn't started a game for a month, he didn't tell me I was starting until two hours before the game. [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. 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. "[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. Yes, I would have if I were not present at the delivery. "With Rafa, it is all about himself. The Spaniard is expected to sign his. '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. You can't treat a player like this and expect him to be happy. An unused substitute in the Spaniards first two games against Grazer AK and Tottenham Hotspur, he rarely made a matchday squad appearance after. Rafa Benitez has praised Liverpool teenager Stefan Bajcetic ahead of tonight's Champions League first leg clash with Real Madrid. I tried to plead with him a little bit, and he repeated the fact that my time was done, really, in his own way. But to this day I still think I should have stayed. My objective is to go to the World Cup and for this I have to play. That is something I can never forget. Shortly after his departure from Anfield, Bentez made a 96,000 donation to the Hillsborough Family Support Group. [6], In 1986, at the age of 26, Bentez returned to Real Madrid to join the club's coaching staff. I dont think I ever really played more than three games in a row. His final match was a 42 defeat to Lazio, who took the final place in the Champions League at Napoli's expense.[101]. Then he told him who were coming in for me Tottenham, Charlton and Everton. There are also easier fixtures than playing away against Wolves (with a rotated side) and Brighton as well as facing Chelsea at Anfield, as Liverpool has had to do recently. "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. By Will Rooney. 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. 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. I want to know.. Craig Bellamy joined Liverpool from Blackburn Rovers in a 6m deal in June 2006. History repeated itself in the final as they then went on to lift the trophy after a penalty shoot-out, following a dramatic 33 draw. Allardyce suggested that Bentez had signalled the game was over despite Liverpool only having a two-goal lead. We played attacking football. "I believe in these situations it is better to talk about it and try to fix it, or at least make sure everyone knows where they stand. 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. 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. While Premier League Team A vs Premier League Team B is meant to be the main attraction of the Sky Sports show . "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. An infamous attack on Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson in the media led some pundits and opposition supporters to suggest Bentez was "cracking up" under the pressure of a title bid. Bentez still appeared to be at odds with Liverpool's owners, publicly turning down a contract extension and demanding more control over transfers. Also added was England defender Glen Johnson for a 17.5million fee. 8m ESPN. I havent really thought about it, I said. Don't do or say anything. [25] Bentez swiftly issued a statement through the club's website re-affirming his desire to remain with Liverpool for the long term. And while there werent particularly any cross words with his manager, he did make a reluctant exit at the end of that season after being told his services were no longer required. Rafa Benitez is my favourite coach in world football. "Just before I left Liverpool last January was when they brought in Pellegrino," he told the Mail on Sunday. The amount of time in training that wed do shape, tactics and nothing else! I am not interested in making Rafa my enemy in the slightest, quite the opposite, but ultimately it is about playing, and if I am not, we have to talk about why not. The club began their campaign with an unimpressive 21 aggregate win over Grazer AK in the qualifying rounds and were minutes away from going out of the competition in the group stages. [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. "I'll only leave if I go as a free agent. [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 left the club, and coached Tenerife in 2000, winning promotion in his only season. I certainly had no complaints about that. By Rafa Benitez May 24, 2020 Happy Istanbul Day! I said: 'You need me now and I will always do my best. I scored against Atletico Madrid in the Europa League semi-final. . If you want to stay, theres not much point, I know you like playing and youre better off going. "It is not true that I had or have had disputes with Bentez, but I am annoyed that when I'm fit I only warm the bench, Baros said on the eve of Istanbul. 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. All of a sudden youre confused. The Reds moved to six points adrift of fourth place after a 2-0 victory over Newcastle United. . Yet, the Spaniard is not a monster. It was funny. 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. "It was for the Champions League quarter-final squad against Inter," Alonso said. See you on Wednesday.. "There are many examples of him treating me badly. [55] On 27 August 2010 in Monaco, Inter lost to Atltico Madrid in the 2010 UEFA Super Cup. Poor, but better than them. I hated him at the time, but Ive lost that now. "And maybe, after 10 days training with him, well, that's when I started asking questions. At the start of the 198687 season, he was appointed coach of Castilla B. [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. I dont think people in England ever saw the best of me. "He thinks he's in charge and everything else falls on deaf ears. Milan Baros finished Benitezs first season at Liverpool as the clubs top goalscorer. 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. "But I didn't argue with anybody. In 1985, he signed for Segunda Divisin B club Linares and under Enrique Mateos, he served as a player/coach. He said he understood and liked my desire to be playing so negotiations with Kln continued. I had to make a decision and decided to be with my family. But the players he brought in werent bad, were they? 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. On 21 August 2010, Bentez won his first trophy as manager, the Italian Super Cup, after they defeated Roma 31. I don't want to speak on behalf of other players at Liverpool, but people know what happened to Albert Riera and Xabi Alonso. [47] It was suggested that this Liverpool team was missing Bentez's characteristic defensive rigidity[48] despite the fact that only Manchester United and Chelsea conceded fewer goals than Liverpool, and lacked the necessary depth to cope with injuries to key players such as Gerrard and Fernando Torres while Bentez's decision making was called into question. When Craig Dawson is the best defender - possibly player - over 45 minutes, it sums up our issues. And whatever the reason, it is clear there was a breakdown in their relationship which ultimately ended with the midfielder signing for Real Madrid. The manager understood my decision., Meanwhile, Benitez told his player: "When he is born, you call me and we decide. "On the day before the final game of last season at Hull, Benitez pulled me to one side after training and said: 'You will not be in the squad for this game. 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. I should have known better by then. Maybe I will never swallow it. Given Bellamys reputation, you can imagine these were not the only occasions when the duo failed to see eye to eye. I knew he wasnt the man for me, but because it was Liverpool I just had to sign.. [148][149], Rafael Bentez married Maria Montserrat[150][151][152] in 1998. On 3 June 2015, Bentez was confirmed as the new Real Madrid manager, signing a three-year contract. However, the second leg was cancelled and Madrid were disqualified for fielding an ineligible player. "Apart from that, I loved everything at Liverpool - the players, the people, the fans, everything was great. 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. Perhaps the most obvious name on this list. What is going on with my transfer?, I will be honest with you, I am not interested in loaning you. [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. Steven Gerrard, who was linked with a big money move to Chelsea, needed to be convinced . Liverpool finished the calendar year top of the Premier League for the first time since 1996. [53] On 15 June 2010, Bentez was presented to the Italian media for the first time after signing a two-year deal. [115][116] Mike Ashley criticised Bentez following his departure, stating that Bentez's demands made it impossible for him to remain as manager. The players and the people at the top of the club knew how I felt. Well talk in a moment, Jerzy. No, lets talk now. [117] However, in an interview with The Athletic in December 2020, Bentez stated he was left no choice but to leave the role due to disagreements with Ashley, describing him as "a businessman who I don't believe really cares about his team. on July 16, 2010. It was such a special, important moment that I took the decision that I needed to be there, Alonso explained. 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. Not only was he a brilliant coach but he is a very sharp, savvy businessman. Benitez tried to break me like he broke Riera. Milan Baros finished Benitez's first season at Liverpool as the club's top goalscorer. 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. [44] Bentez defended his decisions, arguing Liverpool's slow start was due to key players such as Steven Gerrard being below par.[45]. In November 2012, he was appointed interim manager of Chelsea for the remainder of the season and he won the 2013 Europa League.
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