[6], In 1986, at the age of 26, Bentez returned to Real Madrid to join the club's coaching staff. Former Liverpool star Mark Gonzalez is recovering in hospital after suffering a heart attack, his wife has confirmed. 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". It was never really explained to me. 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. [131] In his 2013 autobiography, Ferguson said that "Benitez bought badly and made the feud personal". 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. We played attacking football. "There are many examples of him treating me badly. It was funny. [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. I dont think people in England ever saw the best of me. On two occasions early last season, against Fulham and Lyon, the fans booed when I was subbed. "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. And thats prompted us to look back at Benitezs time across Stanley Park at Anfield, and recall some of the players Liverpool sold after disagreements with their manager. I hadnt got on. I was in touch with Meier regularly and he told me Benitez wouldnt speak to him, but was saying Klns offer was unacceptable. "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!. [112] On 25 May 2016, it was confirmed that Bentez would remain as manager. 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. We discuss a first half that was below par, and the goals we conceded, as well as Bukayo Saka's brilliant equaliser. Looking back, I do appreciate honesty from managers. [133], Bentez has developed a reputation in English football as a hard man to please, with former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard admitting he longed for a "well done" from Bentez after good performances. A lot of people at Liverpool treated me well and asked me to stay, but I could not turn down such a massive club as Chelsea. The fans could see what it meant to me. As soon as training had finished I stormed over to him and ripped my gloves off in an aggressive manner. "In my head it's as if I've already left. You said youd do everything to get a deal through. 1. wesap12345 3 mo. Gillett declared himself delighted with the manager of his new investment, as Bentez overcame his domestic difficulties to lead Liverpool to another Champions League final. Upon his arrival he had two very big personnel issues to tend to. I felt he was waiting for me to make a mistake so he could use it against me. I had really to become an adult very quick and adapt. [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. This is nonsense and it is a fabrication that I wanted to leave the stadium. [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. But an exchange with Benitez did leave the Frenchman rather bemused on his way out. [148][149], Rafael Bentez married Maria Montserrat[150][151][152] in 1998. Not only was he a brilliant coach but he is a very sharp, savvy businessman. "As a player, you just want a bit of fun, to make training good and lively. He left the club by mutual consent in January 2021 before taking over as manager at Everton in June. I would be against myself if I made such a decision. The 61-year-old also won La Liga with Valencia and has collected trophies at Inter Milan, Napoli, and Newcastle United. He was dismissed in January 2022 after a run where Everton lost 9 out of 13 games. The only problem was the media, he insisted. I had great contracts on the table, and choices of managers who really wanted me and that made me feel good. Rafa Benitez's team lost 1-0 on both occasions to a Spurs XI each time . End of story.". 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. "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. From the latest transfers and match reports to training ground gossip and the running of the game, bridgeviews.co.uk offers a different perspective. Fully fit again in time for Benitezs arrival, he featured throughout pre-season and even scored in a friendly vs Celtic. [145], Bentez's father, Francisco, worked as a hotelier. Then the consequences of doing so flashed through my mind. "We were going into labour, and I told Rafa that I could not go. In his second interview he said: "I do not want to make trouble with the manager. 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. [72], The appointment was initially unpopular with many Chelsea fans due to Bentez' association with Liverpool and comments he had previously made about Chelsea,[73] and he received a "fiercely hostile reception" as he was introduced at his first home game, a 00 draw with Manchester City on 25 November 2012. Joshua Askew -. But the players he brought in werent bad, were they? His reign at the club was a short one and he was dismissed midway through the 201011 season. They stopped me from being free. Yes, I would have if I were not present at the delivery. And it appears that such a deterioration stemmed from the midfielder missing the Reds trip to the San Siro to face Inter Milan in March 2008 to be present for the birth of his child, with Benitez trying to sell Alonso the following summer to help fund a move for Gareth Barry. "When you have so many instructions, it makes it so difficult. 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. In terms of team instructions I think you nailed it. "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.". [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. [15] He was unable, however, to convince Michael Owen to extend his contract; he was subsequently sold to Real Madrid. [97] Napoli finished third in Serie A in 201314 to qualify for the next season's Champions League. According to Echoes of Liverpool, Brands wanted Graham Potter more than Rafa Benitez.Given the way the Benitez era has unfolded - Everton are 11 points behind Brighton are operating on a fraction of their budget - it is tempting to wonder how different this season would have been if Moshiri had followed suit with the sporting director. You promised you would help me but now I have a concrete offer youve not kept your word., I cannot risk it. They are just choosing to spend it more cautiously. The former Reds captain says in his new autobiography that tactically the Spaniard was . Bentez still appeared to be at odds with Liverpool's owners, publicly turning down a contract extension and demanding more control over transfers. It was a really emotional moment for me. He left the club, and coached Tenerife in 2000, winning promotion in his only season. ", "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? But from the start I felt basically left out, by myself, no help and that was of course very difficult for a 20 year old. You already know the story, of course. 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. 134 appearances and 29 goals would seemingly demonstrate that. 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. Gary Neville vs Jamie Carragher is often the best part of Monday Night Football.. 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.. 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. Yet he scored just one Premier League goal in the second half of the season and was sold to Aston Villa in. 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. Ultimately you have to trust the players once they cross the white line. He returned to Italy in 2013 to coach Napoli, where he won the Coppa Italia and Supercoppa Italiana. The club began their campaign with an unimpressive 21 aggregate win over Grazer AK in the qualifying rounds and were minutes away from going out of the competition in the group stages. 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. When Craig Dawson is the best defender - possibly player - over 45 minutes, it sums up our issues. On 21 August 2010, Bentez won his first trophy as manager, the Italian Super Cup, after they defeated Roma 31. An infamous attack on Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson in the media led some pundits and opposition supporters to suggest Bentez was "cracking up" under the pressure of a title bid. I've got two or three possibilities already and things are starting to move behind the scenes.". Liverpool finished. "[14], One of Bentez's first tasks at Liverpool was to convince club captain Steven Gerrard not to move to Chelsea. 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 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.''. 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. Rafael Bentez Maudes (born 16 April 1960) is a Spanish professional football manager and former player who most recently managed Premier League club Everton. Rafa Benitez believes Real Madrid's Santiago Bernabeu stadium could be key to who wins their Champions League clash with Liverpool. 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. 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. A controversial early goal in the second leg from Luis Garca saw Liverpool win 10 on aggregate and reach the final against Milan. Another altercation between Bellamy and Benitez would take place in the Spaniards office after the Welshman was fined for taking a penalty against Birmingham City when Robbie Fowler had been the designated taker. [8], Bentez subsequently quit Extremadura and took a year off from football to study in England and Italy. This means that we may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. "But I didn't argue with anybody. Still remember seeing him pull what appeared to be a tooth out of his mouth after colliding with a goalpost. Milan Baros finished Benitez's first season at Liverpool as the club's top goalscorer. [62][63] On 23 December 2010, just five days after bringing Inter to the triumph, Bentez was dismissed by Inter. [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. [138] His calm demeanour and tactical changes at half time of the 2005 UEFA Champions League Final were said to give players belief they could battle back from 30 down, although he had to correct his plans when it was pointed out to him his new formation would require 12 players on the pitch. [113], In May 2017, Newcastle won the 201617 EFL Championship and made an immediate return to the Premier League after one season in the Championship. Olivia Shears and Katie Whyatt were highly commended in an historic one-two-three: it was the first time in the competition's history [] Benitez came to Liverpool from the Spanish side Valencia on 16 June 2004 after the sacking of Gerard Houllier. Kimberly Goldson is getting some long overdue attention from fashion magazines for bold looks that she showed at NYFW. 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. [124] This win was followed up with a 22 draw at Leeds United, a 21 win at Huddersfield in the EFL Cup and a 20 win against Brighton in the Premier League. Signed in an 8m from Espanyol in the summer of 2008, he featured regularly in his first season with the club as Liverpool fell narrowly short in the Premier League title-race. [78] This was followed by a 31 away victory to Sunderland, with Bentez presiding over his first league win as Chelsea manager. By Rafa Benitez May 24, 2020 Happy Istanbul Day! 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. You could benefit from new challenges and weve bought a new left-back that we intend to rely on Liverpool had purchased Andrea Dossena from Udinese for 7million, but that kind of thing had happened before. 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. And Babel has since described his relationship with his first Reds manager as weird, repeating pointing the finger of blame at Benitez for the fact he was unable to push on on Merseyside. All of a sudden youre confused. What is going on with my transfer?, I will be honest with you, I am not interested in loaning you. Further injury problems saw him miss almost the entire 198586 season and he subsequently retired as a player. Rafa didnt mince his words. The win secured a top-four Premiership finish and with it a place in the following season's Champions League. "It is not true that I had or have had disputes with Bentez, but I am annoyed that when I'm fit I only warm the bench, Baros said on the eve of Istanbul. 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. [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. Istanbul's districts extend far from the city center along the full length of the Bosphorus (with the Black Sea at top and the Sea of Marmara at bottom). 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. [25] Bentez swiftly issued a statement through the club's website re-affirming his desire to remain with Liverpool for the long term. 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. Im not James Milner, who keeps it simple. 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. [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. Such a revelation damaged Bentez's relations with the Americans, with constant rumours linking the Spaniard with a move back to Real Madrid. I looked at him. Benitez defence a stern test for Liverpool's attack. During the 199697 season, Bentez took charge at Osasuna in the Segunda Divisin, but after only nine games and one win, he was dismissed. Would he let me go? I'm a total fan of his tactical methods, and have read a lot about it. By the way, we won 0-1 with a goal from Torres.. Down to 9 men we go on the attack and with a Jean Makoun . I have a normal relationship with Rafa. [88], In the Europa League final against Benfica on 15 May, Chelsea won 21. "I'm not one of these players that likes to sit around on the bench and just pick my money up. The 36-year-old joined the. So I asked who he was going to sign. 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 . It was a bit frustrating not playing Inter, but I had to be with my family at the time, he said. In truth, he didnt have time to as Benitez made it clear early on that he had no future at the club. [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. 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. I havent really thought about it, I said. 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. The Reds moved to six points adrift of fourth place after a 2-0 victory over Newcastle United. 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. 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. What are your plans for next season? he said. Project Runway Season 9 Finalist, Fashion Designer: famous for my pants! 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. 4y Dave Usher. I say by myself on the plane back to England the next day. But perhaps because Benitez believes in an element of. I thought I would be staying for a lot longer.". The manager had the option to choose between Dutch. I didnt know what to do, I didnt want to leave! Fab was our best player that half, which is some sort of comfort. Bentez called me and said I wasnt in his plans, so it was better for me to find a (new) club. Maybe I will never swallow it. Rafael Benitez's last interview as Everton boss. And when the fans wanted me to play, Benitez told me he couldn't understand why. My objective is to go to the World Cup and for this I have to play. "It is good for Liverpool that Benitez has gone, but it was too late for me. He knows what he wants and how to get it. Bentez argued he needed to rotate his small squad to ensure key players were fit for the latter stages of these knockout competitions. His mother is Rosario Maudes. increasingly disappointed. Rafa Benitez promised me a certain development, but very quickly he took away that promise and it was a totally different situation. [8], In 2001, Bentez was appointed coach of Valencia, replacing Hctor Cper. The Spanish gaffer delved into some of the players. Only the two men would truly be able to answer whether their relationship changed after that trip to the San Siro. Sign up here - it only takes a few seconds! Let us know in the comments section below Albert Rieras falling out with Benitez is pretty cut and dry. Published: 20:09, 16 Jan 2022 Updated: 20:09, 16 Jan 2022 LIVERPOOL legend Jamie Carragher was quick to take to social media to make light of Rafa Benitez's sacking at Everton. The situation got worse afterwards. The situation is said to be dire and Leach may have suffered seizures. With this team, he won two league titles in 1987 and 1989. Benitez famously led Liverpool to the 2004-05 Champions League crown, and has twice won the UEFA Cup (Valencia, Chelsea). The euphoria of lifting the European Cup 15 years ago today is a feeling Rafael Benitez will never forget. And whatever the reason, it is clear there was a breakdown in their relationship which ultimately ended with the midfielder signing for Real Madrid. 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