It was such a special, important moment that I took the decision that I needed to be there, Alonso explained. "It was for the Champions League quarter-final squad against Inter," Alonso said. - Heart stops when I see the draw for the semi finals of the league and we drew Cardiff. 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 up and down but at the same time I had a great experience there. Fully fit again in time for Benitezs arrival, he featured throughout pre-season and even scored in a friendly vs Celtic. The. [19], In a classic final, dubbed the Miracle of Istanbul, Liverpool came from 30 down at half time to level the score at 33 in the space of just six minutes, eventually triumphing 32 on penalties with the assistance of goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek. But it was Liverpool Football Club. If its the way I play or the way I am, fine. John Arne Riise was another player who had his future taken out of his own hands by Benitez, with the Spaniard telling the Norwegian it was time for him to move on. Something went wrong, please try again later. It was, in my opinion, a weird relationship (with Benitez) because when he signed me I looked at him as the big uncle who wanted to give me a chance and help me succeed," he told the Guardian. "[122] Benitez is only the second person to manage both Liverpool and Everton, since William Edward Barclay in 1890s. Rafael Benitez's last interview as Everton boss. Bentez stands by his tactic, pointing out that teams who man-mark concede just as many, if not more, goals from set pieces. In March 1994, he became assistant manager to Vicente del Bosque with the senior Real Madrid team before returning to coach Real Madrid B for the 199495 season. Benitez tried to break me like he broke Riera. The club had previously approached Javier Irureta, Man and Luis Aragons and had been turned down by all three. "[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. During the 199697 season, Bentez took charge at Osasuna in the Segunda Divisin, but after only nine games and one win, he was dismissed. 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. [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. [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's Istanbul memories - Liverpool FC [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. I am very, very proud to be joining one of the most important clubs in the world in one of the best leagues in the world - and I want to win. I'm a total fan of his tactical methods, and have read a lot about it. 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". [146] Rosario is a big football fan and supported Real Madrid, while his father supported Atltico Madrid. He left the club in June 2019 and the following month was appointed manager of Chinese Super League club Dalian Professional. He left the club, and coached Tenerife in 2000, winning promotion in his only season. "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. The lads could see I was fuming so all hung around to see what would happen. I had to make a decision and decided to be with my family. Richard Keys launches withering attack on 'agent' Rafa Benitez over So (journalists) put some words in my mouth saying that the person who was responsible for me not being included in the Spain squad was Rafa. Initially, he joined Parla on loan, but eventually signed for them permanently and helped them gain promotion to Segunda Divisin B. Liverpool finished. The manager understood my decision., Meanwhile, Benitez told his player: "When he is born, you call me and we decide. They thought I was playing well but Benitez told me he was surprised the fans booed because I was not good enough. Former Everton, Liverpool, Newcastle United and Chelsea manager Rafa Benitez is reportedly in the reckoing to take charge of Olympiacos. I certainly had no complaints about that. In this episode we look back on the extraordinary 4-2 win over Aston Villa on Saturday. We discuss a first half that was below par, and the goals we conceded, as well as Bukayo Saka's brilliant equaliser. End of story.". Milan Baros finished Benitezs first season at Liverpool as the clubs top goalscorer. He never treated me with the respect I deserved. They have two daughters, Claudia, who was born in Madrid in 1999, and gata who was born in Valencia in 2002. Liverpool fans knew that 'Agent Rafa' would not be there more than a season, and so it has proven. Scott played in the cups. START DATES 2021-22 FA Community Shield [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. Frank Lampard has done something Rafa Benitez was expected to do at Still remember seeing him pull what appeared to be a tooth out of his mouth after colliding with a goalpost. But the media was not interested anymore. But the players he brought in werent bad, were they? 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. His dialogue with the players is practically nil. The Frenchman spent the 2006/07 on loan at Marseille, with Cisse joining the club permanently in a 6m deal in July 2007. Benitez was in charge at Anfield from 2004 to 2010, winning. 134 appearances and 29 goals would seemingly demonstrate that. In some ways, it is a surprise that Benitez lasted this long. I was with the national side, before the World Cup, he recalled to the Times. "If I'm doing something badly and you are my boss, and you value me, then you are going to come and tell me what I have to do to play again. Or when Bentez takes me off during a game even if I haven't used up all my energy on the pitch. He won his first league game in charge, beating Southampton 31. In January 2008, Riise would score an own goal against Luton Town in the FA Cup after failing to defend a cross coming in from the right. Let us know in the comments section below Albert Rieras falling out with Benitez is pretty cut and dry. Benitez came to Liverpool from the Spanish side Valencia on 16 June 2004 after the sacking of Gerard Houllier. 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. 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. It was as if the fans' reaction worked against me. The Reds moved to six points adrift of fourth place after a 2-0 victory over Newcastle United. After defeating Bayer Leverkusen and Juventus with the aid of some bold team selections by Bentez, Liverpool faced Chelsea in the semi-final. Rafael Benitez is set to be appointed as Everton's new manager next week after the former Liverpool boss agreed key aspects of his contract with the club. Bentez still appeared to be at odds with Liverpool's owners, publicly turning down a contract extension and demanding more control over transfers. []419HbFo[] - 419 If they come back today to buy you, they need to double their offer as this is the last day of the transfer window.. Half time: Liverpool 0-0 Wolves - redandwhitekop.com Topics the dayTopicsThe Best winnersInflation Relief Checks liveF1 Bahrain TVNBA scheduleChampions League schedulesNBANFLNFL ScoresNFL ScheduleLaLiga StandingsLaLiga ScoresPremier League StandingsPremier League SchedulePremier League ScoresEuropa League ScheduleEuropa League ScoresSerie ScoresPowerball numbers todayMega Millions numbers todayWBC teams schedule2023. I knew I had to get away from Benitez. Allardyce suggested that Bentez had signalled the game was over despite Liverpool only having a two-goal lead. walking ghost aochi pictures The thinking fan's Chelsea blog. Yet despite his exit, Riise does hold Benitez in the highest of regards. Kimberly Goldson is getting some long overdue attention from fashion magazines for bold looks that she showed at NYFW. Despite this win, Chelsea failed to progress beyond the group stage of the competition. I didnt know what to do, I didnt want to leave! [61] Buoyed by the Club World Cup victory, he told the European champions to back him with new signings or consider whether they wanted to keep him as coach, despite the side having won the treble only a few months earlier. [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. [62][63] On 23 December 2010, just five days after bringing Inter to the triumph, Bentez was dismissed by Inter. "All players want to play in such great matches and I had been playing regularly before the Carling Cup final. He also played a further three games for the Spain Universities XI. "When I went there (Liverpool) I was told myself and Torres (would start) and Stevie would drop into the midfield but obviously as it went on I think Rafa liked Stevie playing that no.10. [106], On 11 March 2016, Bentez was appointed as the manager of relegation threatened Newcastle United, signing on an initial three-year deal. Elliott unlocks new Liverpool tactic as Klopp supercharges Rafa Bentez Bentez's tactics were credited as a key factor in Liverpool reaching, and winning, the final, despite a relatively unimpressive squad of players. Well help you find another club if you like., Can I play the last matches? was all I could say. I really need to play games to be prepared for the World Cup.. [123], Under Benitez Everton enjoyed a winning streak across the Premier League and EFL Cup in their first four games. But while the striker disputed such claims, he did twice voice his grievances with some of his managers decisions to the press over the course of the season, prior to being sold to the Villans in a 6.5m deal. "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.''. [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. The 50-year-old, who only took charge 18 months ago, finished 15 points c . In the next game, a 00 draw against Canada, he was injured in a hard tackle. [41] Alonso said that Bentez's attempts to sell him the previous summer were a deciding factor in his move. [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. Goals from Casemiro and a deflection from Marcus Rashford put the Red Devils 2-0 up at half-time . Liverpool fans were seen singing his name during the side's. 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 . Given Bellamys reputation, you can imagine these were not the only occasions when the duo failed to see eye to eye. [100], Bentez announced that he would resign at the end of the 201415 season. Don't sign. [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. It was not easy, my job is not a normal job and it was not just any game, but I never regretted it. I wasnt in the mood. 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. Rafa Benitez promised me a certain development, but very quickly he took away that promise and it was a totally different situation. On 21 August 2010, Bentez won his first trophy as manager, the Italian Super Cup, after they defeated Roma 31. I havent really thought about it, I said. I still dont know his real reasons. He also won the FA Cup in 2006 and reached the 2007 Champions League Final, but was unable to win the Premier League, with Liverpool's best league performance under Bentez a second-place finish in 200809. Liverpool have announced manager Rafael Benitez has left the club by mutual consent after six years in charge. At the start of the 198687 season, he was appointed coach of Castilla B. "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. Fab was our best player that half, which is some sort of comfort. So I hadnt expected this. [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. Geplaatst op 3 juli 2022 door 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. 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. The 61-year-old collapsed at his Starkville home but did not receive medical attention for between ten to 15 minutes. Rafael Bentez: 'When I see Ancelotti, we don't talk about Istanbul much' "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. Bentez said, "My heart is with Liverpool, so I'm delighted to sign this new deal, I love the club, the fans and the city and with a club and supporters like this, I could never say no to staying. Classy timing'.". But this season I have not played at all. Murphy would sign for Charlton Atheltic in a 2.5m deal in August 2004. 4y Dave Usher. [23], Bentez's signings helped the club's Premiership form improve considerably. I just tried to put the ball there and Ivanovic did the rest. 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. [85] He described his relationship with Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich as "excellent" and expressed his desire to remain as Chelsea manager until the end of the season. He tried to destroy my confidence. Im not James Milner, who keeps it simple. [98][99] They lost 42 on aggregate to Athletic Bilbao in the qualifying stages, thus entering the Europa League. I had played for five years at Anfield and then never got a game when Benitez arrived, apart from three in the Carling Cup. 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. 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 should have known better by then. 4-2-3-1 Everton Predicted Lineup Vs Watford- The 4th Official "As a player, you just want a bit of fun, to make training good and lively. In the blue corner, Kylian Mbappe stands tall as the undisputed champion of the world. 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. Xabi Alonsos relationship with Benitez is a curious one. "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 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. Home. I knew he wasnt the man for me, but because it was Liverpool I just had to sign.. There was an issue over whether it was a loan move first or a permanent transfer straight away. 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. Pennant simply wrote "GIRLS" in capital letters - and it was downhill for him from there. [13] On his arrival he stated: "It is like a dream to be here. He started to get up to go but I told him to wait for a second. []419aTEJ[] - 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. 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. 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. Despite their best efforts, the Toon were beaten by six minutes worth of Manchester United attack. 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. His final match was a 42 defeat to Lazio, who took the final place in the Champions League at Napoli's expense.[101]. ", "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? Other semi final Wolves V Southampton. [74][75] This was followed by a 00 draw at home to Fulham and a 31 loss to West Ham. [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. The season also saw Bentez make his debut in the Champions League, where his side reached the quarter-finals, losing to Inter Milan. 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. 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. 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. "[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. Bentez was appointed coach of Valencia and won La Liga in the 200102 season. He said he understood and liked my desire to be playing so negotiations with Kln continued. 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. He was different class, the amount of goals and assists that he got. That was why, when Pako Ayestarn (his assistant) went, they had a parting of the ways and things started to go downhill a bit.". Yet he scored just one Premier League goal in the second half of the season and was sold to Aston Villa in. [60] Despite criticism, Bentez guided Inter to win the FIFA Club World Cup in December 2010. That's why we played better and won the title. 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. The win secured a top-four Premiership finish and with it a place in the following season's Champions League. "No-one's shown me any respect and Rafael Bentez, since his arrival, has treated me as if I was the dumbest of the dumb. 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. Carl Lewis? By Will Rooney. 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. Looking back, I do appreciate honesty from managers. I want to know.. An official statement from the club said, "Rafa will forever be part of Liverpool folklore after bringing home the Champions League following the epic final in Istanbul but after a. His reign at the club was a short one and he was dismissed midway through the 201011 season. Keep up to date with the latest breaking news, transfer gossip and everything LFC with thousands of Reds! [88], In the Europa League final against Benfica on 15 May, Chelsea won 21. I agreed to join Chelsea before Roy Hodgson was appointed Liverpool's new manager. But then for the first game of the new season I wasn't in the team again. [145], Bentez's father, Francisco, worked as a hotelier. And when the fans wanted me to play, Benitez told me he couldn't understand why.