In his second interview he said: "I do not want to make trouble with the manager. While Premier League Team A vs Premier League Team B is meant to be the main attraction of the Sky Sports show . However, time heals all wounds and Cisse was a lot more positive about Benitez when speaking exclusively to the ECHO back in February this year. Mr Benitez relinquishes his position as team manager after six years and the Board of Directors would. He was highly regarded for his tactical acumen[136][137] particularly in European ties, setting his team up to exploit opposition weaknesses. "Right now the only market open is the Russian one, I have offers from two teams and, looking at my situation, that has made me reflect a lot.". 'You own the f****** club' - Istanbul story captures humility of 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. Jurgen Klopp's respect for Rafa Benitez spotted during Liverpool's I thought I would be staying for a lot longer.". In the red corner, Achraf Hakimi is a fight away from one of the greatest underdog stories of all time. [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. bridge views - the thinking fan's chelsea blog: Terry John Barnes is more worried about Manchester United coming to Liverpool on Sunday than he has been in recent times. [57] His first league win as manager came on 11 September 2010, a 21 win against Udinese at the San Siro. Former Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez becomes new Everton manager - ESPN.com I certainly had no complaints about that. "I have still not swallowed it. [97] Napoli finished third in Serie A in 201314 to qualify for the next season's Champions League. The Reds play the Spanish champions on Tuesday in the round of 16 first-leg at Anfield. [131] In his 2013 autobiography, Ferguson said that "Benitez bought badly and made the feud personal". I still dont know his real reasons. After leaving Liverpool in June 2010, Bentez was appointed manager of treble-winning side Inter Milan. It was no surprise that the Spaniard had quickly decided to move the striker on, and the Wales international would later reveal his problems with his manager started on day one. You already know the story, of course. Carragher leads Liverpool fans mocking Everton over 'agent' Rafa Classy timing'.". "Yet even now they are talking about signing another centre half.". To be completely honest, I genuinely considered punching Rafa in the face. The players and the people at the top of the club knew how I felt. 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. Rafa Benitez News: Latest updates after Everton sacking - Mail Online 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. "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.''. He won his first league game in charge, beating Southampton 31. I felt so unhappy but, out of respect to the club, I never spoke out. If they go down Ill come back to Liverpool and stay until my contract ends or you can sell me then. Benitez famously led Liverpool to the 2004-05 Champions League crown, and has twice won the UEFA Cup (Valencia, Chelsea). The manager had the option to choose between Dutch. I got more and more frustrated with him until transfer deadline day when I finally boiled over. 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. Ex-Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez linked with managerial return after Everton sacking. "As a player, you just want a bit of fun, to make training good and lively. "Rafa is a top manager and he's proven that. All of a sudden youre confused. [84], On 27 February 2013, following a 20 win at Middlesbrough in the FA Cup fifth-round, Bentez heavily criticised the Chelsea board for giving him the title of "interim manager" and the Chelsea fans for their protests against him. [12], On 16 June 2004, Bentez was appointed manager of Liverpool, replacing Grard Houllier, becoming the first Spaniard to manage in the Premier League. "I will remember Liverpool fondly as a success but not the situation I've found myself in. Starting the 3-2 AET second leg defeat a week later, it would prove to be his final appearance for the club as Benitez called him into his office to tell him he would be sold and wouldnt be involved for the remaining games of the season. Also added was England defender Glen Johnson for a 17.5million fee. This view was later supported by Sir Alex Ferguson. Not only was he a brilliant coach but he is a very sharp, savvy businessman. "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'. After that I did another interview and said that I have to be my first critic. Liverpool fans knew all along about Rafa Benitez and Everton as cruel I dont know how, but I managed to stop myself. . I told Benitez I would go if he wanted, but he told me I was important and he would give me a new contract, which I signed. From the latest transfers and match reports to training ground gossip and the running of the game, bridgeviews.co.uk offers a different perspective. "[14], One of Bentez's first tasks at Liverpool was to convince club captain Steven Gerrard not to move to Chelsea. Liverpool vs Everton: Rafa Benitez makes honest admission ahead of 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. Hardly the sort of character you can see embracing the Spaniards totalitarian style. "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. There was an issue over whether it was a loan move first or a permanent transfer straight away. Report: Rafa Benitez "close" to taking over Everton - MLS on NBC Liverpool fans were seen singing his name during the side's. 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. Geplaatst op 3 juli 2022 door [6], In 1986, at the age of 26, Bentez returned to Real Madrid to join the club's coaching staff. 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. "And maybe, after 10 days training with him, well, that's when I started asking questions. He never treated me with the respect I deserved. The 36-year-old joined the. He told me I was a better player as a substitute instead of starting in the team. In 1985, he signed for Segunda Divisin B club Linares and under Enrique Mateos, he served as a player/coach. Poor, but better than them. 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. 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. "I think he was the wrong manager at the wrong time for me. It says plenty about the dysfunction at the club that days later, Benitez has gone. [ VIDEO: PST unfiltered - EURO 2020 impressions; Sancho to Man United? ] [16], During his first season, Bentez was unable to improve Liverpool's form in the Premiership. But an exchange with Benitez did leave the Frenchman rather bemused on his way out. [64], On 21 November 2012, following the dismissal of Roberto Di Matteo, Chelsea appointed Bentez as interim first-team manager until the end of the 201213 season. Frankly, I am proud of that. "With Rafa, it is all about himself. In terms of team instructions I think you nailed it. 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. Rafael Benitez's last interview as Everton boss. Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez leaves by mutual consent [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. A week-and-a-half later and there was no progress. When that starts happening, you have to assume it is something personal, rather than professional. The French hit-man was booked for pulling his shirt over . On two occasions early last season, against Fulham and Lyon, the fans booed when I was subbed. [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. [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. "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. [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. Sign up here - it only takes a few seconds! "The fans don't know" - Rafa Benitez claims Liverpool refused to As always you can unsubscribe at any time. Get all the latest Liverpool breaking news, team news, transfer rumours, injury updates plus analysis of what's next for the Reds. Rafael Bentez leaves Liverpool | Rafael Bentez | The Guardian 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 told me he needed pace up front. [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. Released at the end of his contract, he signed for Real Zaragoza in the summer of 2009 on a free transfer and has repeatedly slammed Benitez in the years that have followed. Rafael Benitez's 08-09 Liverpool | FM Base Liverpool finished the calendar year top of the Premier League for the first time since 1996. "Honestly, Rafa was a nightmare like that. He was different class, the amount of goals and assists that he got. Rafa came to sit next to me, he recalled in his 2013 autobiography. [15] He was unable, however, to convince Michael Owen to extend his contract; he was subsequently sold to Real Madrid. So I hadnt expected this. I knew he wasnt the man for me, but because it was Liverpool I just had to sign.. The injury saw him sidelined for a year and hampered his chances of becoming a major player. "[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. "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. [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. Rafa Benitez. 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. 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. His dialogue with the players is practically nil. 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.". In November 2012, he was appointed interim manager of Chelsea for the remainder of the season and he won the 2013 Europa League. Former Liverpool star Mark Gonzalez is recovering in hospital after suffering a heart attack, his wife has confirmed. Even Ali looks a shadow of himself. [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. Claiming Liverpool were sinking ship under Benitez in March 2010, he said: "I've been here two years and I know how he (Benitez) is. [81] Chelsea progressed to the League Cup semi-finals with a 51 win over Leeds United at Elland Road and then recorded an 80 win over Aston Villa, equalling their record top-flight victory. infiniti qx80 indicator lights. [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. 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,. 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. And he still lives in Liverpool. Liverpool FC today confirmed that Rafael Benitez is to leave the club by mutual consent. But dont tell me you need pace. Looking back, I do appreciate honesty from managers. An act of treason to some fans but what Rafa Benitez gave Liverpool "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. Rafael Benitez predicted, in this very space, on Tuesday morning, precisely where the risk lay when it came to Liverpool v Real Madrid. ago. It was a privilege for me to play for such a great club in front of great fans. [23], Bentez's signings helped the club's Premiership form improve considerably. "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. All I ever wanted to do is just to play football.". Arsecast Extra Episode 513 - 20.02.2023 [123], Under Benitez Everton enjoyed a winning streak across the Premier League and EFL Cup in their first four games. This time, Pepe Reina saved three penalties during the shoot-out to secure the silverware. 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. YOU would have got good odds on someone called Fofana saving Graham Potter from more death threats. I was with the national side, before the World Cup, he recalled to the Times. [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. 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. It was either his way or no way. I just tried to put the ball there and Ivanovic did the rest. [82] They subsequently lost 10 at home to 20th-placed Queens Park Rangers[83] in the Premier League and were knocked out of the League Cup semi-finals by underdogs Swansea City 20 on aggregate. [60] Despite criticism, Bentez guided Inter to win the FIFA Club World Cup in December 2010. They thought I was playing well but Benitez told me he was surprised the fans booed because I was not good enough. He left the club in June 2019 and the following month was appointed manager of Chinese Super League club Dalian Professional. Then the focus is on a remarkable last . 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. "I would like to be here for the rest of my career, but players live to play. Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. And after moving to Stamford Bridge, Benayoun would lay into his former Reds boss, insisting he was the only reason he had any interest in leaving Anfield. 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. "But I didn't argue with anybody. Halfway through the 199091 season he succeeded Jos Antonio Camacho as the coach of Real Madrid's under-19 team. [147][146] Francisco died in December 2005 while Bentez was in Japan for the FIFA Club World Championship. [90] Defender David Luiz credited Bentez with making critical changes at half time, saying, "He changed some of our positions in the second half. The story behind Rafa Benitez's love affair with Liverpool - and how he Olivia Shears and Katie Whyatt were highly commended in an historic one-two-three: it was the first time in the competition's history [] The negotiations started. "I was furious with him, absolutely fuming, and in my head I could hear a devilish voice saying punch him in the face punch him in the face and hell let you go to Germany. 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. 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. 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. I said: 'You need me now and I will always do my best. I scored against Atletico Madrid in the Europa League semi-final. We use your sign-up to provide content in the ways you've consented to and improve our understanding of you. Three days before the transfer window closed I went in to see him again Relax, Jerzy, theres still time, but we want a permanent deal, but Meier was telling me that Rafa was still refusing to take his calls! . 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. [104] Meanwhile, Real topped their UEFA Champions League group with 16 points. [153][154][155], For the American submarine commander, see, 200104: Twice Spanish champions and UEFA Cup winners, Last edited on 19 February 2023, at 18:18, have won all three major European trophies, following season's Champions League group stage, European Coach of the YearAlf Ramsey Award, List of European Cup and UEFA Champions League winning managers, List of UEFA Cup and Europa League winning managers, "Bentez: Rafael Bentez Maudes: Manager", "Benitez On What He Can Prove At Everton", "Rafael Benitez - an adopted Scouser from Red to Blue", "Rafael Benitez - a complete profile of Liverpool FC manager Rafa Benitez", "Rafa Bentez: the early years at Extremadura and Tenerife", Caizares explica a Casillas por qu Albelda "hinch de leches" a Zidane en su debut: "Tena que saber a quin se enfrentaba", "Remembering Rafa Benitez's Valencia Side That Took Spain By Storm", "Emery joins growing band of Spanish managers", "Bentez boost as Gerrard stays at Liverpool", "Is Jamie Carragher England's best defender? He said: I dont want to see this'. Steven Gerrard: I was never close to Benitez and his 'facts' speech Steven Gerrard has lifted the lid on his "frosty" relationship with former Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez. [98][99] They lost 42 on aggregate to Athletic Bilbao in the qualifying stages, thus entering the Europa League. Bentez's demands were dismissed out of hand by the Inter ownership, with Massimo Moratti refusing to comment on Bentez's continued employment by the club. Wed just lost the Champions League final. Usain Bolt? Arrested after drunkenly refusing to leave a bar on the same training camp that saw Bellamy assault Riise, he admitted in his autobiography that he once came close to hitting Benitez after the Spaniard blocked him from leaving the club for Koln despite his game-time being limited. Malcolm Macdonald in a rare Newcastle United attack during the ill-fated FA Cup final against Liverpool on May 4, 1974 . [145], Bentez's father, Francisco, worked as a hotelier. Pennant simply wrote "GIRLS" in capital letters - and it was downhill for him from there. This is nonsense and it is a fabrication that I wanted to leave the stadium. Rafael Benitez's Istanbul memories - Liverpool FC 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. Maybe I will never swallow it. "It was such a bad season for me. He smiled at me from behind his desk. Would he let me go? Benitez did far more. During the 199697 season, Bentez took charge at Osasuna in the Segunda Divisin, but after only nine games and one win, he was dismissed. But his constant instructions really restricted me. Former Everton, Liverpool, Newcastle United and Chelsea manager Rafa Benitez is reportedly in the reckoing to take charge of Olympiacos. Rafael Bentez Maudes (born 16 April 1960) is a Spanish professional football manager and former player who most recently managed Premier League club Everton.. 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. It was suggested that Bentez's position was now under serious threat. Connect with Liverpool fans from around the world in our official supporters group. [49] The club subsequently exited the UEFA Europa League at the hands of Atltico Madrid. "When you have so many instructions, it makes it so difficult. The title challenge, however, fizzled out early in the season, with Liverpool's poor form away from Anfield leading to speculation Bentez's tenure at Liverpool was short-lived, with his agent quoted as saying Bentez would consider offers to manage in Italy. Only then will I be better than I am now. It was funny. Liverpool finished. Don't sign. Re: Half time: Liverpool 0-0 Wolves. Don't do or say anything. Mike Leach 'had a heart attack and may have suffered brain damage' 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. But the media was not interested anymore. Perhaps the most obvious name on this list. The coach and myself were not compatible. It was up and down but at the same time I had a great experience there. [146] Rosario is a big football fan and supported Real Madrid, while his father supported Atltico Madrid. Let us know in the comments section below Albert Rieras falling out with Benitez is pretty cut and dry. walking ghost aochi pictures Evolution of the football manager | FM Base [94] Bentez agreed a two-year contract after meeting club president Aurelio De Laurentiis in London. He's never sorted out a situation with a player by talking with him. He also confirmed that he would be leaving the club at the end of the season. "All players want to play in such great matches and I had been playing regularly before the Carling Cup final. [69][70][71] He appointed Boudewijn Zenden as his new assistant manager at Chelsea on the same day. 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. [11] These differences of opinion saw Bentez resign as Valencia coach on 1 June 2004. [18], In the Champions League, however, Liverpool fared differently. He won a third league title with Real Madrid Youth B in 1990. Liverpool transfer news, rumours, gossip and speculation including updates on Roberto Firmino, Manuel Locatelli, Naby Keita and Mason Mount. "Just before I left Liverpool last January was when they brought in Pellegrino," he told the Mail on Sunday. "I'm the king of the exiles here so, as far as I'm concerned, it's finished for me at Liverpool," he said. Liverpool finished third in the league, missing out on second place by one point. "[39] With ten wins in their last 11 games, Liverpool finished the season on a high, finishing second in the league for the first time under Bentez, four points off champions Manchester United, with Liverpool playing an attractive brand of attacking football at odds with the side that struggled through the winter months. I havent really thought about it, I said. The next couple of days were a couple of the hardest days of my life. Starting the following season strongly, his manager even called for him to be given an England call-up. [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. The 37-year-old, who retired at the end of an unsuccessful Ashes tour of England in 2015, said he would consider returning in any capacity to help out Cricket Australia (CA)."I would do anything to 419HbFo help the Australian cricket team," he told Australia's Daily Telegraph newspaper on Sunday. I'm a total fan of his tactical methods, and have read a lot about it. 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.