For some reason it was important that I reach 350 matches and an exact average of fifty per season. This is what hurts me. Bentez made a number of suggestions during Mourinho's tenure as manager that Roman Abramovich's money had bought Chelsea's success, and the pair refused to shake hands after some matches (although Mourinho declared the feud to be over after a league game in 2006). There was an issue over whether it was a loan move first or a permanent transfer straight away. I dont think I ever really played more than three games in a row. I remember the conversation and he was all right, to be fair. The. As a right winger/midfielder, Steven Gerrard had the most productive seasons trophy-wise, claiming a Champions League title, and an FA Cup. 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. [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. Rafa Benitez at the Run for the 96 5K in Stanley Park, Liverpool (Image: Liverpool Echo) But being a born winner is just one part of Benitez's multi-layered appeal. Despite the lack of silverware, the main talking points were off the pitch, with Bentez in the middle of a power struggle with the Liverpool board. I repeat, if they come back in today they must pay double., I felt he was treating me unfairly, but thats how Rafa operated. Footballers love seeing a bit of confrontation on the training ground! The manager had the option to choose between Dutch. 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 young Dutchman enjoyed an impressive first season at Anfield under Benitez, but would later find himself often out of favour under the Spaniard as his starting opportunities in the following years. But with Rafa, it was constant directions. "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.". [43] Bentez's decision to sell Alonso and replace him in the side with Lucas Leiva, in addition to Aquilani having arrived at the club injured, was called into question as Liverpool's title campaign began with two defeats in the first three games. At one point, rumours of Bentez quitting or being dismissed became so great that bookmakers had to suspend betting on the subject. I knew I had to get away from Benitez. 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. READ MORE: Naby Keita shows 'humbled' James Maddison how Liverpool situation has changed, READ MORE: Jurgen Klopp will already fear worst for crunch Chelsea clash as Liverpool myth exposed. [115][116] Mike Ashley criticised Bentez following his departure, stating that Bentez's demands made it impossible for him to remain as manager. We discuss a first half that was below par, and the goals we conceded, as well as Bukayo Saka's brilliant equaliser. Liverpool fans knew that 'Agent Rafa' would not be there more than a season, and so it has proven. 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You promised you would help me but now I have a concrete offer youve not kept your word., I cannot risk it. 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. 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 . Scuba Certification; Private Scuba Lessons; Scuba Refresher for Certified Divers; Try Scuba Diving; Enriched Air Diver (Nitrox) On each occasion I had accepted the challenge and emerged victorious from it. I have a normal relationship with Rafa. 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. [53] On 15 June 2010, Bentez was presented to the Italian media for the first time after signing a two-year deal. He could never let me do my thing. You can't treat a player like this and expect him to be happy. I tried to convince him to change his mind: What have you got to lose? In 2004, another La Liga league title and a UEFA Cup victory were added building on the foundation laid by Hctor Cper who had taken Valencia to two consecutive Champions League finals; in 2000 against Real Madrid, and in 2001 against Bayern Munich. Frank Lampard has done something Rafa Benitez was expected to do at Mr Benitez relinquishes his position as team manager after six years and the Board of Directors would. Looking back, I do appreciate honesty from managers. "I have not said I am going to leave Liverpool. All of a sudden youre confused. In November 2012, he was appointed interim manager of Chelsea for the remainder of the season and he won the 2013 Europa League. ", "Why Liverpool's Rafa Benitez is a master tactician", "Jamie Carragher: What really happened at half-time in Istanbul", "Rafa Benitez is the man behind Steven Gerrard's 100", "The cult of permanent rotation blights Bentez's bid for title", "Liverpool's demise against Chelsea the fault of Rafael Benitez's zonal marking", "RT Sport: Benitez stands by zonal marking", "Atltico fans ensure home is where the hatred is for Bentez", "Benitez to stay with Liverpool despite loss of father", "Montserrat Seara: "En nuestra primera cita Rafa me explic el 4-4-2", "Juventus seeking to prise Rafael Bentez away from Liverpool", "Rafa Benitez learned English listening to The Beatles and reveals man who inspired him to be manager", "Rafael Benitez replaces Roberto Di Matteo as Chelsea manager", "AD Parla: el tesoro que esconde Los Prados, el estadio en el que Rafa Bentez deslumbr como futbolista", "Rafael Benitez named Sky Bet Championship Manager of the Month", Complete management career stats at Liverpool-kop.com, Rafael Bentez management career statistics, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Rafael_Bentez&oldid=1140350114, *Club domestic league appearances and goals, This page was last edited on 19 February 2023, at 18:18. 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. 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. But, with Rafa, the training was so boring that youd come in and all youd want to do was slit your wrists! The biggest problem I had with Rafa was the first day, he told Sky Sports. 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. In terms of team instructions I think you nailed it. walking ghost aochi pictures Ryan Babel was just 20 when he joined Liverpool from Ajax in an 11.5m deal in the summer of 2007. 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. Former Liverpool player and Chile international Mark Gonzalez has suffered from a heart attack and is currently in hospital recovering, as confirmed by his wife. The. [citation needed], In 200304 season, Valencia won La Liga with three games to spare and beat Marseille 20 in the UEFA Cup final. 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. Benitez swapped Liverpool for Inter Milan in 2010 and last coached in the Premier League at Newcastle before joining Chinese side Dalian Professional in 2019, leaving that role in January. Olivia Shears and Katie Whyatt were highly commended in an historic one-two-three: it was the first time in the competition's history []