Benitez famously led Liverpool to the 2004-05 Champions League crown, and has twice won the UEFA Cup (Valencia, Chelsea). [7], During the 199293 season, Bentez also worked as an assistant coach to Mariano Garca Remn at Real Madrid B. 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. Liverpool transfer news, rumours, gossip and speculation including updates on Roberto Firmino, Manuel Locatelli, Naby Keita and Mason Mount. I wasnt in the mood. 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. [49] The club subsequently exited the UEFA Europa League at the hands of Atltico Madrid. Jurgen Klopp's respect for Rafa Benitez spotted during Liverpool's thrashing of Everton LIVERPOOL beat city rivals Everton 4-1 at Goodison Park on Wednesday night. I should have stayed a bit longer and trusted myself, I should have. "I would be worried" - Rafa Benitez warns Inter about 'dangerous [90] Defender David Luiz credited Bentez with making critical changes at half time, saying, "He changed some of our positions in the second half. [125], Everton's form declined in the following months, and after a 21 defeat to bottom-placed Norwich City at Carrow Road, Benitez was relieved of his duties on 16 January 2022 after six-and-a-half months in charge, with Everton in 15th place, six points above the relegation zone, having lost nine of their previous 13 games. His mother is Rosario Maudes. It was the same for me. "[14], One of Bentez's first tasks at Liverpool was to convince club captain Steven Gerrard not to move to Chelsea. "I'm the king of the exiles here so, as far as I'm concerned, it's finished for me at Liverpool," he said. He was unable to avoid relegation, but earned promotion back to the Premier League the following year, winning the Championship. 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. "[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. 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. 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. I say by myself on the plane back to England the next day. Real Madrid B were then playing in the Segunda Divisin and on 4 September 1993, he made his debut as a Segunda Divisin manager with a 31 over Hrcules. I need to play. I felt he was waiting for me to make a mistake so he could use it against me. "I'll only leave if I go as a free agent. "I'm not going to leave simply for the sake of leaving. Bentez argued he needed to rotate his small squad to ensure key players were fit for the latter stages of these knockout competitions. "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!. That's when Chelsea made an offer and the deal was done before Benitez left. The striker would join West Ham United in a 7.5m deal, as Benitez went on to replace him with Fernando Torres, before later returning to Liverpool in August 2011 and enjoying a more successful stint with his boyhood club under Kenny Dalglish. 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. "I keep a fantastic memory of England, even if I still hold a grudge on the coach," he told L'Equipe Magazine. It was not easy, my job is not a normal job and it was not just any game, but I never regretted it. [38], Nevertheless, on 18 March 2009, shortly after registering a 40 victory over Real Madrid and 41 victory over Manchester United, Bentez signed a new five-year deal with the club. When Allardyce was manager of Newcastle, he suggested Bentez would have been dismissed had Liverpool's European form been as bad as their league form. Surely I couldnt stay if I gave him a smack? 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. Pennant simply wrote "GIRLS" in capital letters - and it was downhill for him from there. A 6.7m signing from Birmingham City in the summer of 2006, he impressed during his first season with the club and was a standout performer in their 2007 Champions League final defeat to AC Milan. "I was very young and I just needed guidance. An FA Cup winner the following year, Cisse did feature fairly regularly in 2005/06 but often found himself utilised out of position or as a substitute. 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. "[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. I have a normal relationship with Rafa. [24][140], Bentez is a firm believer in squad rotation and zonal marking. Liverpool fans knew all along about Rafa Benitez and Everton as cruel 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. Benitez was in charge at Anfield from 2004 to 2010, winning. [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. Benitez just shook his head Id got the sack, plain and simple. He could never let me do my thing. Chelsea 1 Leeds 0: Fofana the unlikely Blues hero as his goal relieves Liverpool FC today confirmed that Rafael Benitez is to leave the club by mutual consent. 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. Bentez called me and said I wasnt in his plans, so it was better for me to find a (new) club. [18], In the Champions League, however, Liverpool fared differently. Rafael Benitez | Liverpool FC Wiki | Fandom It was a normal Craig Bellamy picture in a newspaper! Benitez tried to break me like he broke Riera. This is nonsense and it is a fabrication that I wanted to leave the stadium. Take part in our Liverpool FC 'Keep or Sell' survey: While Murphy was moved on straight away, it was a different story for Stephane Henchoz. [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. 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 . Rafa Benitez: Everybody remembers Istanbul but tactics against Juve 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. Even Ali looks a shadow of himself. It was a permanent deal or nothing as far as he was concerned. It was a bit frustrating not playing Inter, but I had to be with my family at the time, he said. All I ever wanted to do is just to play football.". 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. "Honestly, Rafa was a nightmare like that. "I had to be with my partner. "I think he was the wrong manager at the wrong time for me. [6], In 1986, at the age of 26, Bentez returned to Real Madrid to join the club's coaching staff. The more we have seen of him the more impressed we have become. Leaving for Celtic in January, he was not happy with how Benitez had treated him at all. The club had previously approached Javier Irureta, Man and Luis Aragons and had been turned down by all three. Enjoy it. If they go down Ill come back to Liverpool and stay until my contract ends or you can sell me then. [35] Bentez had reportedly intended to sell Xabi Alonso to fund the purchase of Barry, but Liverpool CEO Rick Parry was reported to have prioritised signing Robbie Keane over Barry, causing tension when Barry did not arrive. Rafael Benitez might have been sacked by Premier League club Everton, but the red half of Merseyside still remembers him fondly. Liverpool came from 20 down and were losing 32 in stoppage time when Steven Gerrard scored a dramatic late equalizer. The Spaniard is expected to sign his. Despite this win, Chelsea failed to progress beyond the group stage of the competition. But then for the first game of the new season I wasn't in the team again. "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 November 2012, he was appointed interim manager of Chelsea for the remainder of the season and he won the 2013 Europa League. I would be against myself if I made such a decision. The next couple of days were a couple of the hardest days of my life. Bentez joined Real Madrid's coaching staff at the age of 26, going on to work as the under-19 and reserve team coach, and assistant manager for the senior team. 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? [120], Bentez was appointed manager of Premier League club Everton on a three-year contract on 30 June 2021, replacing Carlo Ancelotti who left to join Real Madrid. I agreed to join Chelsea before Roy Hodgson was appointed Liverpool's new manager. Elliott unlocks new Liverpool tactic as Klopp supercharges Rafa Bentez Mauricio Pochettino 'SACKED by PSG after agreeing to terminate contract "He thinks he's in charge and everything else falls on deaf ears. The season also saw Bentez make his debut in the Champions League, where his side reached the quarter-finals, losing to Inter Milan. 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.". Subscribe to the CV Academy. Given his past, the manager was a controversial choice. His final match was a 42 defeat to Lazio, who took the final place in the Champions League at Napoli's expense.[101]. [54] [28] It was reported Bentez did not feel he had the complete support of the new owners, a thought that was compounded by Liverpool's initial lack of activity in the transfer window, although the club played these rumours down. 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. That exchange took place just days into his Liverpool career and involved Benitez asking him to write down his misdemeanours and faults. It was a privilege for me to play for such a great club in front of great fans. 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. [79], At the FIFA Club World Cup in December 2012, Chelsea defeated Monterrey 31 to reach the final,[80] where they were beaten 10 by Brazilian side Corinthians. Fab was our best player that half, which is some sort of comfort. [23], Bentez's signings helped the club's Premiership form improve considerably. 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. 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. Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has issued an apology of behalf of Djibril Cisse following his controversial behaviour at Newcastle on Sunday. As a right winger/midfielder, Steven Gerrard had the most productive seasons trophy-wise, claiming a Champions League title, and an FA Cup. He never treated me with the respect I deserved. Well talk in a moment, Jerzy. No, lets talk now. 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. '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. Murphy would sign for Charlton Atheltic in a 2.5m deal in August 2004. 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. . 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. Why Christian Benteke is Worth 7 Million Pies - and other stories - the [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. On 21 August 2010, Bentez won his first trophy as manager, the Italian Super Cup, after they defeated Roma 31. [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. 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. I don't want to speak on behalf of other players at Liverpool, but people know what happened to Albert Riera and Xabi Alonso. His reign at the club was a short one and he was dismissed midway through the 201011 season. I was feeling glum. [16], During his first season, Bentez was unable to improve Liverpool's form in the Premiership. 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. The appointment is a controversial one, as Benitez spent six years at Anfield, winning the Champions League, FA Cup and UEFA Super Cup during his spell.

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