"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. It was a normal Craig Bellamy picture in a newspaper! In 1997, he joined another Segunda Divisin side, Extremadura, and this time led them to promotion, finishing second in the table behind Alavs after winning 23 out of 42 games. "I just thought, 'am I so bad that they want me to leave and they want him?'. I know everyone working there will be a lot happier and I believe Roy Hodgson is a good choice. Sign up here - it only takes a few seconds! When I scored, I still expected to be out of the team the next game. He was unable to avoid relegation, but earned promotion back to the Premier League the following year, winning the Championship. 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. Benitez tried to break me like he broke Riera. Wed just lost the Champions League final. The. However, the second leg was cancelled and Madrid were disqualified for fielding an ineligible player. [30], Liverpool made a good start to the 200708 season, topping the Premier League table for the first time under Bentez after a comprehensive 60 win over Derby County. I want to know.. 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. [145], Bentez's father, Francisco, worked as a hotelier. Down to 9 men we go on the attack and with a Jean Makoun . [112] On 25 May 2016, it was confirmed that Bentez would remain as manager. 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]. Something went wrong, please try again later. When Craig Dawson is the best defender - possibly player - over 45 minutes, it sums up our issues. While Premier League Team A vs Premier League Team B is meant to be the main attraction of the Sky Sports show . Riera would later blame the media for the breakdown in his relationship with Benitez when speaking to Anfield HQ in 2016. 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. 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.. He moved away from Real Madrid in 1995, but management spells at Real Valladolid and Osasuna were short-lived and unsuccessful. Other semi final Wolves V Southampton. The former Liverpool manager remains a top defensive mind but will have his work cut out for him when he brings his Newcastle side to Anfield. After defeating Bayer Leverkusen and Juventus with the aid of some bold team selections by Bentez, Liverpool faced Chelsea in the semi-final. I had great contracts on the table, and choices of managers who really wanted me and that made me feel good. 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). "We were going into labour, and I told Rafa that I could not go. 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. [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. [42] Alonso was immediately replaced in the squad by Italian midfielder Alberto Aquilani, signed from Roma for 17million, who was recovering from a long-term injury. For some reason it was important that I reach 350 matches and an exact average of fifty per season. 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. . [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. Among those Bentez sold was Craig Bellamy, who was notably phased out of the first team following an altercation with John Arne Riise in the buildup to Liverpool's remarkable victory over Barcelona in the Camp Nou en route to the Champions League final. Steven Gerrard has lifted the lid on his "frosty" relationship with former Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez. Goals from Casemiro and a deflection from Marcus Rashford put the Red Devils 2-0 up at half-time . And thats prompted us to look back at Benitezs time across Stanley Park at Anfield, and recall some of the players Liverpool sold after disagreements with their manager. Only the two men would truly be able to answer whether their relationship changed after that trip to the San Siro. [78] This was followed by a 31 away victory to Sunderland, with Bentez presiding over his first league win as Chelsea manager. Were going to buy another striker, he said. Rafa didnt mince his words. Youve got some instructions and tactics in your mind and yet hes shouting even more at you. For the second consecutive season, he was named UEFA Manager of the Year. ", '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. 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. Bentez is fluent in Spanish, English, French and Italian. I felt he was waiting for me to make a mistake so he could use it against me. ago. He won a third league title with Real Madrid Youth B in 1990. End of story.". German clubs are financially savvy Kln knew they couldnt afford to buy me if they werent in the top division but Rafa refused to let me go on loan. Even Ali looks a shadow of himself. [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. [55] On 27 August 2010 in Monaco, Inter lost to Atltico Madrid in the 2010 UEFA Super Cup. It was such a special, important moment that I took the decision that I needed to be there, Alonso explained. Starting the following season strongly, his manager even called for him to be given an England call-up. A week-and-a-half later and there was no progress. I said: 'You need me now and I will always do my best. I scored against Atletico Madrid in the Europa League semi-final. I should have known better by then. Rafael Benitez predicted, in this very space, on Tuesday morning, precisely where the risk lay when it came to Liverpool v Real Madrid. He was highly regarded for his tactical acumen[136][137] particularly in European ties, setting his team up to exploit opposition weaknesses. Get all the latest Liverpool breaking news, team news, transfer rumours, injury updates plus analysis of what's next for the Reds. 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,. Liverpool won't get a penny. He said: I dont want to see this'. I miss all that a little.". "With Rafa, it is all about himself. Former Liverpool star Mark Gonzalez is recovering in hospital after suffering a heart attack, his wife has confirmed. May 25, 2005 is a date that will forever have its place in Liverpool FC folklore thanks to events at Istanbul's Ataturk Stadium. I had to make a decision and decided to be with my family. Bentez argued he needed to rotate his small squad to ensure key players were fit for the latter stages of these knockout competitions. 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. 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"I have still not swallowed it. 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. [6], The first attempts by Bentez at senior management away from the Real Madrid fold were less than successful. 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 will remember Liverpool fondly as a success but not the situation I've found myself in. [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. If they go down Ill come back to Liverpool and stay until my contract ends or you can sell me then. Shortly after his departure from Anfield, Bentez made a 96,000 donation to the Hillsborough Family Support Group. Initially, he joined Parla on loan, but eventually signed for them permanently and helped them gain promotion to Segunda Divisin B. [24][140], Bentez is a firm believer in squad rotation and zonal marking. It was a permanent deal or nothing as far as he was concerned. Murphy would sign for Charlton Atheltic in a 2.5m deal in August 2004. Malcolm Macdonald in a rare Newcastle United attack during the ill-fated FA Cup final against Liverpool on May 4, 1974 . He started to get up to go but I told him to wait for a second. Despite heavy criticism from the English press[141] Bentez persisted with the reward of a Champions League and FA Cup triumph in his first two seasons. Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. 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. [25] Bentez swiftly issued a statement through the club's website re-affirming his desire to remain with Liverpool for the long term. All of a sudden youre confused. [23], Bentez's signings helped the club's Premiership form improve considerably. 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. I was in touch with Meier regularly and he told me Benitez wouldnt speak to him, but was saying Klns offer was unacceptable. Enjoy it. The euphoria of lifting the European Cup 15 years ago today is a feeling Rafael Benitez will never forget. 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. [15] He was unable, however, to convince Michael Owen to extend his contract; he was subsequently sold to Real Madrid. Benitez swapped Liverpool for Inter Milan in 2010 and last coached in the Premier League at Newcastle before joining Chinese side Dalian Professional in 2019, leaving that role in January. Despite this win, Chelsea failed to progress beyond the group stage of the competition. Then the consequences of doing so flashed through my mind. It means that, suddenly, you mess up with a simple pass because your mind is all over the place. I had really to become an adult very quick and adapt. [53] On 15 June 2010, Bentez was presented to the Italian media for the first time after signing a two-year deal. Halfway through the 199091 season he succeeded Jos Antonio Camacho as the coach of Real Madrid's under-19 team. On 3 June 2015, Bentez was confirmed as the new Real Madrid manager, signing a three-year contract. But this season I have not played at all. 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. I dont think people in England ever saw the best of me. He tried to destroy my confidence. 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. I thought: 'No matter how the manager is treating me, I'm showing the fans the club is in my heart.' [32] Bentez, however, said that his future was at Liverpool and signalled his long-term intentions by appointing Sammy Lee as his new assistant[33] to replace his long-time right-hand man, Pako Ayestarn, who quit after a reported disagreement, which Bentez admitted "hurt" him and arguably Liverpool's titles hopes. 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. "I have to finally tell Rafa I'm leaving because maybe he's not aware of it, he said. Ill get 800,000, great, but I cant spend it today and Ill be five months without an experienced reserve goalkeeper. Then he said: I think its time we go our separate ways, Riise recalled in his 2018 autobiography. 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. The Spaniard is expected to sign his. [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. [147][146] Francisco died in December 2005 while Bentez was in Japan for the FIFA Club World Championship. 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". [31] It later emerged that Jrgen Klinsmann had been offered Bentez's job before eventually accepting the post of Bayern Munich manager. Well help you find another club if you like., Can I play the last matches? was all I could say. Rafa Benitez promised me a certain development, but very quickly he took away that promise and it was a totally different situation. [111] However, the team was relegated to the Championship due to rivals Sunderland claiming 12 points from their final six fixtures. [107][108] He suffered defeat in his first match in charge, losing 10 away to eventual champions Leicester City on 14 March. Youre a big name, you can play anywhere at all. [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. But it was Liverpool Football Club. 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. [60] Despite criticism, Bentez guided Inter to win the FIFA Club World Cup in December 2010. However, the current Blues boss has taken . "[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. Bentez stands by his tactic, pointing out that teams who man-mark concede just as many, if not more, goals from set pieces. The 61-year-old also won La Liga with Valencia and has collected trophies at Inter Milan, Napoli, and Newcastle United. 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. Olivia Shears and Katie Whyatt were highly commended in an historic one-two-three: it was the first time in the competition's history [] Liverpool have announced manager Rafael Benitez has left the club by mutual consent after six years in charge. He didnt know I spent my whole childhood dreaming of playing for Liverpool, he didnt know I had all those memories and feelings. Benitez famously led Liverpool to the 2004-05 Champions League crown, and has twice won the UEFA Cup (Valencia, Chelsea). By Will Rooney. "Apart from that, I loved everything at Liverpool - the players, the people, the fans, everything was great. Poor, but better than them. A scorer of big goals, he produced countless important moments in his three seasons with the club as the Reds challenged for the Premier League title and progressed in the Champions League. If its the way I play or the way I am, fine. ". At the start of the 198687 season, he was appointed coach of Castilla B. Benitez, 50, replaced Gerard Houllier as Liverpool manager in June 2004 and. ", "Rafael Benitez's Istanbul memories | Tactics, Gerrard switch and trophy lift", "Motion expert says Garcia's shot did cross the line", "Top 20 sporting moments of the decade: Liverpool's 'Miracle of Istanbul', "Benitez Uncovered: Inside The Dressing Room On That Amazing Night In Istanbul", "Rafa's Boys: How Successful Was Benitez in the Transfer Market? On 21 August 2010, Bentez won his first trophy as manager, the Italian Super Cup, after they defeated Roma 31. I repeat, if they come back in today they must pay double., I felt he was treating me unfairly, but thats how Rafa operated.

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