[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. And when the fans wanted me to play, Benitez told me he couldn't understand why. 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. [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. It's a little frustrating because you see that you can help. [87] Chelsea reached the semi-finals of the FA Cup, losing 21 to Manchester City at Wembley Stadium, and also progressed to the final of the UEFA Europa League. [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. [110], Newcastle ended the season with a six match unbeaten run, including a 51 final day win over third-place Tottenham Hotspur. Benitez, 50, replaced Gerard Houllier as Liverpool manager in June 2004 and. Yet, the Spaniard is not a monster. When Craig Dawson is the best defender - possibly player - over 45 minutes, it sums up our issues. I thought I would be staying for a lot longer.". 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 . 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. It was a really emotional moment for me. [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. GAMEWEEK 7 - DISCUSSION, RANT & INFO THREAD. I have no problem talking to people. [90] Defender David Luiz credited Bentez with making critical changes at half time, saying, "He changed some of our positions in the second half. [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 story behind Rafa Benitez's love affair with Liverpool - and how he Cisse admitted, after joining Marseille on loan, that he did hold a grudge against Benitez for forcing him out. [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. ", "Gerrard: 2006 display against West Ham probably my best ever - just don't call it 'The Gerrard Final', "Bellamy faces uncertain future as Liverpool reel from golf club attack", "Rafael Bentez calls temporary truce as fans plan show of solidarity", "ESPNFC: Soccer The long goodbye for Rafa? Why Christian Benteke is Worth 7 Million Pies - and other stories - the He moved away from Real Madrid in 1995, but management spells at Real . Rafa Benitez was sacked as Everton manager on Sunday after a 2-1 loss at Norwich City. [97] Napoli finished third in Serie A in 201314 to qualify for the next season's Champions League. 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. Which Liverpool player do you wish Rafa Benitez had never sold? [citation needed], Bentez was unable to win any trophies as Liverpool's domestic campaign falter in the winter months including a shock FA Cup exit at home to Barnsley, with his side losing to Chelsea in the Champions League semi-finals. 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. And I remember thinking, oh my, this is going to be trouble, this is going to be difficult for me'. Don't do or say anything. Rafa Benitez believes Real Madrid's Santiago Bernabeu stadium could be key to who wins their Champions League clash with Liverpool. [115][116] Mike Ashley criticised Bentez following his departure, stating that Bentez's demands made it impossible for him to remain as manager. "I had to be with my partner. [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. [107][108] He suffered defeat in his first match in charge, losing 10 away to eventual champions Leicester City on 14 March. It was either his way or no way. infiniti qx80 indicator lights. But dont tell me you need pace. 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. 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. Mauricio Pochettino 'SACKED by PSG after agreeing to terminate contract 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. It was a privilege for me to play for such a great club in front of great fans. [139] Bentez often plays key players in unorthodox positions to suit a formation notably converting both Steven Gerrard (in the 200506 season) and Dirk Kuyt into right-wingers. I would be against myself if I made such a decision. [131] In his 2013 autobiography, Ferguson said that "Benitez bought badly and made the feud personal". START DATES 2021-22 FA Community Shield It's a dream for me such a fantastic club have given me this opportunity. 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. Katie Smith, who is studying at Leeds University, was crowned as the 2017 winner of the David Welch Student Sportswriter of the Year at the Sports Journalists Association awards in London on Monday night. [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. Meanwhile in an interview with the Independent, he said: He (Benitez) promised me certain things at this time to help me develop which I thought was the same as Ajax but at a different pace. 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". At first, I thought maybe he was going actually coming to justify his decision to leave me out. I don't want to speak on behalf of other players at Liverpool, but people know what happened to Albert Riera and Xabi Alonso. When I look back I could have done things differently but at the same time I also think I could have got more guidance from the coaches.. 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. But with Rafa, it was constant directions. As always you can unsubscribe at any time. Despite this success, Bentez fell out with Jess Garca Pitarch, the club's director of football, over control of new signings and the club's failure to reinforce the squad with the players he wanted. 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 was the club's 10th Premier League defeat of the season - and their ninth in their last 12 league matches - to leave . Project Runway Season 9 Finalist, Fashion Designer: famous for my pants! Down to 9 men we go on the attack and with a Jean Makoun . And whatever the reason, it is clear there was a breakdown in their relationship which ultimately ended with the midfielder signing for Real Madrid. Yes, I would have if I were not present at the delivery. What if Pepe gets injured next week? 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,. If they go down Ill come back to Liverpool and stay until my contract ends or you can sell me then. The 61-year-old also won La Liga with Valencia and has collected trophies at Inter Milan, Napoli, and Newcastle United. 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. Rafa just didnt understand. In the blue corner, Kylian Mbappe stands tall as the undisputed champion of the world. Liverpool finished the calendar year top of the Premier League for the first time since 1996. But his constant instructions really restricted me. In this episode we look back on the extraordinary 4-2 win over Aston Villa on Saturday. [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. 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. Former Liverpool Manager Rafa Benitez Reveals Two Transfers That Bentez: "At Real Madrid, it was easier for them to blame me" Writing in his autobiography, he described the Spaniard as the "most difficult" manager he played for, criticising him over his lack of man-management skills, claiming he only ever had one proper conversation with him. [18], In the Champions League, however, Liverpool fared differently. Bentez said that he had jokingly signalled to Alonso to ignore his instructions and not that he thought the game was effectively over. He also played a further three games for the Spain Universities XI. 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. Rafael Benitez's last interview as Everton boss. It was a bit frustrating not playing Inter, but I had to be with my family at the time, he said. His final match was a 42 defeat to Lazio, who took the final place in the Champions League at Napoli's expense.[101]. It was suggested that Bentez's position was now under serious threat. They wanted to take me on loan for six months, for which Liverpool would get 800,000, then complete a permanent 3m transfer in the summer if they avoided relegation. In 1985, he signed for Segunda Divisin B club Linares and under Enrique Mateos, he served as a player/coach. I wasnt in the mood. '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. Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. Making 52 appearances in 2006/07, that dropped to 25 in 2007/08 while he was frozen out in 2008/09 altogether, featuring just four times and making only two Premier League starts before being sent on loan to Portsmouth. After that I did another interview and said that I have to be my first critic. 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. [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. Carl Lewis? 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. On 3 June 2015, Bentez was confirmed as the new Real Madrid manager, signing a three-year contract. After leaving Liverpool in June 2010, Bentez was appointed manager of treble-winning side Inter Milan. Now in charge at Everton, Lucas Digne could be the latest player to not get a second chance with Benitez after the France international defender found himself dropped in recent weeks following a reported falling out between the pair. He was doing his job, I get that, but it was hard. Xabi Alonsos relationship with Benitez is a curious one. [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. "I'll only leave if I go as a free agent. 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. [citation needed], Bentez has also had confrontations with Sam Allardyce when he was manager of Newcastle United and Blackburn Rovers. He smiled at me from behind his desk. It was another short-lived appointment and on 4 January 2016, he was dismissed following a 22 draw against his former club, Valencia. Milan Baros finished Benitez's first season at Liverpool as the club's top goalscorer. "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.''. See you on Wednesday.. Ralf Rangnick may yet be right about Liverpool and Man United as Jurgen Klopp sends subtle transfer warning, Manchester United are having a better season that Liverpool, that cannot be questioned, but Theo Squires wonders whether there has been a long-term power shift, Roberto Firmino's agent breaks silence on 'unbelievably emotional' Liverpool exit, Roberto Firmino refused to hold talks with other clubs before deciding his Liverpool future, according to his agent, Liverpool predicted line-up for Manchester United as Jurgen Klopp makes two huge calls, How Liverpool could line up against Manchester United at Anfield on Sunday afternoon in the Premier League, John Barnes makes 'worried' Liverpool v Manchester United admission and Mohamed Salah goals point. [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. Ryan Babel was just 20 when he joined Liverpool from Ajax in an 11.5m deal in the summer of 2007. It was the same for me. 'Rafa was a nightmare' - 13 players who left Liverpool after falling 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. He left the club by mutual consent in January 2021 before taking over as manager at Everton in June. I meet him from time to time like at Pepe Reinas wedding, or some family parties.. It was funny. I should have stayed a bit longer and trusted myself, I should have. Such a revelation damaged Bentez's relations with the Americans, with constant rumours linking the Spaniard with a move back to Real Madrid. 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. [123], Under Benitez Everton enjoyed a winning streak across the Premier League and EFL Cup in their first four games. This instruction was ignored, which resulted in a goal. What is going on with my transfer?, I will be honest with you, I am not interested in loaning you. A horrific broken leg derailed the Frenchmans first season with the club, though he would return to help them win the Champions League in 2005. on July 16, 2010. For the second consecutive season, he was named UEFA Manager of the Year. Hardly the sort of character you can see embracing the Spaniards totalitarian style. Re: Half time: Liverpool 0-0 Wolves. [60] Despite criticism, Bentez guided Inter to win the FIFA Club World Cup in December 2010. 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. 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. 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. Rafa didnt mince his words. You'll also get the latest transfer talk and analysis every day for FREE! In some ways, it is a surprise that Benitez lasted this long. But then for the first game of the new season I wasn't in the team again. 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. 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. For some reason it was important that I reach 350 matches and an exact average of fifty per season. 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. Bentez also quickly sold Josemi and Antonio Nez, two of his first signings in English football, after they failed to establish themselves, with the likes of Peter Crouch, Mohamed Sissoko, Daniel Agger as well as former Liverpool player Robbie Fowler being brought in to strengthen the side. Rafa Benitez: Everybody remembers Istanbul but tactics against Juve The Spaniard is expected to sign his. And he still lives in Liverpool. [69][70][71] He appointed Boudewijn Zenden as his new assistant manager at Chelsea on the same day. He was highly regarded for his tactical acumen[136][137] particularly in European ties, setting his team up to exploit opposition weaknesses. [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. I tried to convince him to change his mind: What have you got to lose? He told me he needed pace up front. The man management was down to his staff. I looked at him. The next couple of days were a couple of the hardest days of my life. Shortly after his departure from Anfield, Bentez made a 96,000 donation to the Hillsborough Family Support Group. The club said they understood why I was unhappy and promised they'd let me leave in the summer if an offer came while Benitez was manager. 20th Sep 2022, 7:39am. I just tried to put the ball there and Ivanovic did the rest. So I asked who he was going to sign. He won his first league game in charge, beating Southampton 31. Liverpool transfer news, rumours, gossip and speculation including updates on Roberto Firmino, Manuel Locatelli, Naby Keita and Mason Mount. [16], During his first season, Bentez was unable to improve Liverpool's form in the Premiership. 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. At one point, rumours of Bentez quitting or being dismissed became so great that bookmakers had to suspend betting on the subject. [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. I felt so unhappy but, out of respect to the club, I never spoke out. Ill have Scott and a kid from the Academy. He said he understood and liked my desire to be playing so negotiations with Kln continued. "When a player knows he is a slave, he'll never give his employer his heart.. "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. [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. Loved the details Riise gave of the Bellamy fiasco; that when he showed up the day after (to basics fight Bellamy), Agger went with him and had his back. I understand what he was doing. becky ending explained. 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. "I have still not swallowed it. Starting the following season strongly, his manager even called for him to be given an England call-up. After defeating Bayer Leverkusen and Juventus with the aid of some bold team selections by Bentez, Liverpool faced Chelsea in the semi-final. "[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. 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. Other semi final Wolves V Southampton. He spoke a lot to us to change the intensity." 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. "I think he was the wrong manager at the wrong time for me. [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. I have a normal relationship with Rafa. "I just thought, 'am I so bad that they want me to leave and they want him?'. As soon as training had finished I stormed over to him and ripped my gloves off in an aggressive manner. "On a psychological level, it was very hard because I restrained myself a lot. The amount of time in training that wed do shape, tactics and nothing else! 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. [111] However, the team was relegated to the Championship due to rivals Sunderland claiming 12 points from their final six fixtures. 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. There was an issue over whether it was a loan move first or a permanent transfer straight away. [95], In his first season in charge, Bentez guided the club to victory in the Coppa Italia, defeating Fiorentina 31 in the final,[96] and into the last 16 of the Europa League, exiting after a 32 aggregate defeat to Porto. Steven Gerrard has lifted the lid on his "frosty" relationship with former Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez. Well help you find another club if you like., Can I play the last matches? was all I could say. Imagine the pressure Id be under if that happened, Why should I care? If its the way I play or the way I am, fine. 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. But perhaps because Benitez believes in an element of. 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. 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. I would go when everything was fine, catch a plane and show up there. [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.

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