SM
Man Utd vs. PAOK: 13 mins
Upcoming predictions and previews

On this day: Rafael Benitez takes charge of Liverpool

:Headline: On this day: Rafael Benitez takes charge of Liverpool: ID:227190: from db_amp
Eleven years ago today, Liverpool confirmed the appointment of Rafael Benitez, who replaced Gerard Houllier at Anfield.

During his six years in charge of Liverpool, Gerard Houllier guided the team to six trophies, including the FA Cup, UEFA Cup and two League Cups.

Yet, the one trophy that the club really yearned for - the league title - eluded the Frenchman, who departed Anfield by mutual consent in 2004.

Having not won England's top division since 1990, the board were on the lookout for a manager that would not only end that drought, but also keep captain Steven Gerrard out of the clutches of Chelsea.

With no homegrown boss jumping out, the Reds once again looked overseas for a leader. A host of names were linked with the vacancy, but one man stood out from the crowd and he was confirmed as Houllier's replacement 11 years ago today.

During Rafael Benitez's three years at the helm of Valencia, the 44-year-old had seen Los Che win two La Liga titles and the UEFA Cup against a Didier Drogba-inspired Marseille.

Upon signing a five-year contract on Merseyside, the Spaniard said: "It is like a dream to be here. 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.

"The work of Gerard Houllier was very good but each manager has his own ideas. I think I can teach something different. I have come here to win, and my players have to have the same mentality.

"I am young, I want to win lots of matches and in the right way. I hope the players think like us that it is possible to win titles. I want the supporters to be proud of the team, of the manager, of the players, of the club."

Chief executive Rick Parry added: "Benitez clearly wanted to come to Liverpool and that shone out in every conversation we had. He is young, enthusiastic and hungry for success."

Not only did Gerrard stay - although it would appear that Benitez's role in this was limited - his first season would end with Liverpool lifting a fifth European title when they won a dramatic Champions League final against AC Milan on penalties in Istanbul.

The FA Cup would follow - again thanks to a penalty shootout victory over West Ham United - the season after, but despite that bright start to his tenure, it would be the last trophy that Liverpool won under Benitez's management prior to his departure in the summer of 2010.

amp_article__227190 : Database Data restored...  : 
last updated article - 2015-06-17 12:01:37:
html db last update - 2015-06-17 12:01:37 :

ex - 7200 : read : read cache amp html
Share this article now:
Recommended Next on SM
Premier League Table
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool108111961325
2Manchester CityMan City1072121111023
3Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest10541147719
4Chelsea105322012818
5Arsenal105321711618
6Aston Villa105321715218
7Tottenham HotspurSpurs1051422111116
8Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton104421714316
9Fulham104331413115
10Bournemouth104331312115
11Newcastle UnitedNewcastle104331010015
12Brentford104151920-113
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd10334912-312
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham103251319-611
15Leicester CityLeicester102441418-410
16Everton102351017-79
17Crystal Palace10145813-57
18Ipswich TownIpswich100551021-115
19Southampton10118719-124
20Wolverhampton WanderersWolves100371427-133
Scroll for more - Tap for full version


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
AL
Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!

Loading ...

Failed to load data.



. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .