He returned to Italy in 2013 to coach Napoli, where he won the Coppa Italia and Supercoppa Italiana. [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. 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. I know everyone working there will be a lot happier and I believe Roy Hodgson is a good choice. Initially, he joined Parla on loan, but eventually signed for them permanently and helped them gain promotion to Segunda Divisin B. Former Liverpool star Mark Gonzalez is recovering in hospital after suffering a heart attack, his wife has confirmed. Were going to buy another striker, he said. 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. Bentez, however, later explained this gesture: he said he had previously told Xabi Alonso to take a short free-kick. 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. As always you can unsubscribe at any time. At half-time of the Champions League final, Benitez's Reds were 3-0 . He was different class, the amount of goals and assists that he got. Yet, the Spaniard is not a monster. "It was such a bad season for me. [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. But I want Liverpool fans to know the truth and for them to know I made up my mind to leave a long time ago because of Benitez. Fab was our best player that half, which is some sort of comfort. Xabi Alonso, Luis Garcia they won the Champions League that following season and he was justified.. [23], Bentez's signings helped the club's Premiership form improve considerably. Given Benitezs reputation as one who cannot call upon humane man-management as one of his skills, it is understandable why it is believed their relationship broke down from that moment. Not only was he a brilliant coach but he is a very sharp, savvy businessman. "It was for the Champions League quarter-final squad against Inter," Alonso said. He also confirmed that he would be leaving the club at the end of the season. Classy timing'.". Poor, but better than them. 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. I have some offers. The man management was down to his staff. 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. After he ignored me for a long time, he needed me for Europe when Ryan Babel was suspended. [65][66][67][68] He was unveiled as the new Chelsea manager at a press conference on 22 November 2012. 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.. Yet despite his exit, Riise does hold Benitez in the highest of regards. I just sat there, half in shock. 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. For some reason it was important that I reach 350 matches and an exact average of fifty per season. You listen to his former team-mates and all say the Spaniards relationship with his compatriot completely broke down during his final season at Liverpool, before putting in a transfer request and leaving for Real Madrid in a 30m deal in the summer of 2009. [106], On 11 March 2016, Bentez was appointed as the manager of relegation threatened Newcastle United, signing on an initial three-year deal. He told me he needed pace up front. [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. [110], Newcastle ended the season with a six match unbeaten run, including a 51 final day win over third-place Tottenham Hotspur. 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. [31] It later emerged that Jrgen Klinsmann had been offered Bentez's job before eventually accepting the post of Bayern Munich manager. 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. START DATES 2021-22 FA Community Shield The players and the people at the top of the club knew how I felt. infiniti qx80 indicator lights. "[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. [115][116] Mike Ashley criticised Bentez following his departure, stating that Bentez's demands made it impossible for him to remain as manager. See you on Wednesday.. Imagine the pressure Id be under if that happened, Why should I care? [8], Bentez subsequently quit Extremadura and took a year off from football to study in England and Italy. 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. 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. He also played a further three games for the Spain Universities XI. Yes, I would have if I were not present at the delivery. [145], Bentez's father, Francisco, worked as a hotelier. 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. He was being honest and he said to me: Look, I want to bring in some of my own players, youre not going to be part of the XI and its unlikely youre going to get back in the team. 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. Only the two men would truly be able to answer whether their relationship changed after that trip to the San Siro. You'll also get the latest transfer talk and analysis every day for FREE! He had to protect his interests, but it was hard to be on the receiving end of it., Knowing he would leave Liverpool at the end of his contract in 2007, Dudek at the time said Benitez had treated him like a slave.. 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. Liverpool's worst run in 22 years[46] combined with an exit from the Champions League at the group stages led to the first major vocal criticism of Bentez by Liverpool fans. Rafael Benitez's last interview as Everton boss. I should have known better by then. Further injury problems saw him miss almost the entire 198586 season and he subsequently retired as a player. [52], On 10 June 2010, and only a few days after leaving Liverpool, Bentez agreed a deal to become the new head coach of Serie A and reigning Champions League title-holders Inter Milan, a post that was left vacant by the departure of Jos Mourinho, who left to manage Real Madrid. You didnt mean it., I cannot let you go on loan. The 61-year-old also won La Liga with Valencia and has collected trophies at Inter Milan, Napoli, and Newcastle United. But the players he brought in werent bad, were they? Despite their best efforts, the Toon were beaten by six minutes worth of Manchester United attack. Benitez defence a stern test for Liverpool's attack. Then, when we played Birmingham after I hadn't started a game for a month, he didn't tell me I was starting until two hours before the game. The Spaniard is expected to sign his. 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. Allardyce suggested that Bentez had signalled the game was over despite Liverpool only having a two-goal lead. . [148][149], Rafael Bentez married Maria Montserrat[150][151][152] in 1998. 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. 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. "Everyone asks me why I left Liverpool," he told the News of the World.. "There is only one reason - Rafa Benitez. [56] Bentez's first Serie A game in charge was on 31 August 2010 in a 00 draw away to Bologna in the Stadio Renato Dall'Ara. Three months later he would do the exact same against Chelsea in the Champions League semi-finals, gifting the Londoners what would prove to be a decisive 90th minute away goal. "We have not had any talk about why it is. . The French hit-man was booked for pulling his shirt over . 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. He left the club, and coached Tenerife in 2000, winning promotion in his only season. Also added was England defender Glen Johnson for a 17.5million fee. The lads could see I was fuming so all hung around to see what would happen. 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. The only problem was the media, he insisted. Benitez tried to break me like he broke Riera. But after being sent off in a Champions League clash with Porto in September 2007 and suffering an injury against Besiktas, his fortunes turned and he fell down the pecking order after being unable to regain his place or recapture his earlier form. 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. Former Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has named the two players that influenced Steven Gerrard the most in his time at the club. Perhaps the most obvious name on this list. [100], Bentez announced that he would resign at the end of the 201415 season. [citation needed], In 200304 season, Valencia won La Liga with three games to spare and beat Marseille 20 in the UEFA Cup final. '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. The Spanish gaffer delved into some of the players. The injury saw him sidelined for a year and hampered his chances of becoming a major player. "It is good for Liverpool that Benitez has gone, but it was too late for me. [18], In the Champions League, however, Liverpool fared differently. A club-record 14m signing from Auxerre the same summer of Benitezs arrival, the only problem for Djibril Cisse was it was Houllier rather than the Spaniard who sanctioned the switch. Later in the summer transfer window, Bentez signed several players from La Liga, most notably Luis Garca and Xabi Alonso, both of whom drew immediate admiration from Liverpool supporters. Benitez spent six years as Liverpool manager, winning the Champions League in 2005 and reaching the final of the competition in 2007. But once Benitez had decided to sacrifice Alonso to bring in Barry, the writing was on the wall. [3][4][5], In 1979, Bentez was selected to play for the Spain Youth U-19s at the World Student Games in Mexico City and he scored a penalty in the opening game, a 100 win against Cuba. "I was never given a chance and that hurts. [49] The club subsequently exited the UEFA Europa League at the hands of Atltico Madrid. But dont tell me you need pace. 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. Liverpool also won the FA Cup beating both Manchester United and Chelsea, as well as a thrilling 53 win against Luton Town in the third round, on the way to the final against West Ham United. What if Pepe gets injured next week? 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. I was in touch with Meier regularly and he told me Benitez wouldnt speak to him, but was saying Klns offer was unacceptable. [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. Benitez came to Liverpool from the Spanish side Valencia on 16 June 2004 after the sacking of Gerard Houllier. What is going on with my transfer?, I will be honest with you, I am not interested in loaning you. At one point, rumours of Bentez quitting or being dismissed became so great that bookmakers had to suspend betting on the subject. About Us; Staff; Camps; Scuba. When Mourinho exited Chelsea in 2007, Bentez said, "You know my relationship with him, it is better that I do not say anything", declining to comment as Ferguson and Arsenal manager Arsne Wenger had. [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. 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). That's when Chelsea made an offer and the deal was done before Benitez left. "There are many examples of him treating me badly. [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. [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. "Youve got two sets of instructions in your mind and youre left wondering what to do. 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. Liverpool paid 20m when signing Robbie Keane from Tottenham Hotspur in July 2009. Im not James Milner, who keeps it simple. LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 17: Abdoulaye Doucoure of Everton is challenged by Tomas Soucek of West Ham United during the Premier League match between Everton and West Ham United at Goodison Park on October 17, 2021 in Liverpool, England. "[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. His final match was a 42 defeat to Lazio, who took the final place in the Champions League at Napoli's expense.[101]. 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. 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"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.''. What are your plans for next season? he said. 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. Usain Bolt? "As a player, you just want a bit of fun, to make training good and lively. It was a normal Craig Bellamy picture in a newspaper! Brooklyn, USA models-art.ru Joined June Brooklyn-based designer Kimberly Goldson competed in reality show 'Project Runway,' just landed in the Saks window, and is preparing to make. And I remember thinking, oh my, this is going to be trouble, this is going to be difficult for me'. I got more and more frustrated with him until transfer deadline day when I finally boiled over. Or would it just lead to a massive media scandal? Rafael Benitez predicted, in this very space, on Tuesday morning, precisely where the risk lay when it came to Liverpool v Real Madrid. The amount of time in training that wed do shape, tactics and nothing else! 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. 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 . Former Liverpool and Inter Milan boss Rafael Benitez believes the Nerazzurri should be worried about the Reds' attack ahead of their Champions League clash on Wednesday. Bentez said that he had jokingly signalled to Alonso to ignore his instructions and not that he thought the game was effectively over. "[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. This time, Pepe Reina saved three penalties during the shoot-out to secure the silverware. Goals from Casemiro and a deflection from Marcus Rashford put the Red Devils 2-0 up at half-time . So I asked who he was going to sign. It was as if the fans' reaction worked against me. The former Reds captain says in his new autobiography that tactically the Spaniard was . He spoke a lot to us to change the intensity." I want to know.. 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,. Joshua Askew -. But come the start of the season he didnt get a look in. Fully fit again in time for Benitezs arrival, he featured throughout pre-season and even scored in a friendly vs Celtic. Benitez just shook his head Id got the sack, plain and simple. Thank you for your three years of service, now you can call your agent to do a deal with another club.' But an exchange with Benitez did leave the Frenchman rather bemused on his way out. I dont think I ever really played more than three games in a row. The 61-year-old collapsed at his Starkville home but did not receive medical attention for between ten to 15 minutes. That was why, when Pako Ayestarn (his assistant) went, they had a parting of the ways and things started to go downhill a bit.". 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.. [62][63] On 23 December 2010, just five days after bringing Inter to the triumph, Bentez was dismissed by Inter. I remember the conversation and he was all right, to be fair. [78] This was followed by a 31 away victory to Sunderland, with Bentez presiding over his first league win as Chelsea manager. 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. That exchange took place just days into his Liverpool career and involved Benitez asking him to write down his misdemeanours and faults. When I scored, I still expected to be out of the team the next game. Hardly the sort of character you can see embracing the Spaniards totalitarian style. 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. 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. 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. If they go down Ill come back to Liverpool and stay until my contract ends or you can sell me then. Only then will I be better than I am now. 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. "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. Just tell me. [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. I was feeling glum. Real later played Cdiz in the Copa del Rey round of 32, winning away 31 in the first leg. But perhaps because Benitez believes in an element of. "We were going into labour, and I told Rafa that I could not go. [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. He told me I was a better player as a substitute instead of starting in the team. [16], During his first season, Bentez was unable to improve Liverpool's form in the Premiership. 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. If I played well, I never felt he gave me credit. [93], On 27 May 2013, it was announced that Bentez had signed for Napoli, whose manager Walter Mazzarri had resigned. Due to this unbeaten run, Benitez was nominated for the Manager of the Month award. I had played for five years at Anfield and then never got a game when Benitez arrived, apart from three in the Carling Cup. Again, it was another case of Benitez controversially deciding a players time at Liverpool were up, with reputation and price-tag making no difference to his decision. I am still very upset. I spent six months with Liverpool hardly getting a game. I certainly had no complaints about that. Bentez still appeared to be at odds with Liverpool's owners, publicly turning down a contract extension and demanding more control over transfers. 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. He also worked as a commentator/analyst for Eurosport, Marca, El Mundo and local Madrid TV. You promised you would help me but now I have a concrete offer youve not kept your word., I cannot risk it. We also may change the frequency you receive our emails from us in order to keep you up to date and give you the best relevant information possible. Everton won four of their first six league games under Benitez, taking 13 points from a possible 18, but their form has collapsed since October.
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