Former Liverpool manager, Rafa Benitez, has revealed that he was ‘surprised’ for not being re-considered for the Anfield http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Job-c18684, following Kenny Dalglish’s ouster in May.
The Reds fired the Kop legend from the management seat, in view of the club’s dismal eighth-place finish last season.
The Spaniard, who coached Liverpool from 2004 to 2010, appeared as one of the favourite candidates for the vacant managerial post at Anfield in May. Earlier, he led the club to their 5th European title in 2005, and also helped them secure the
UEFA Super Cup and FA Cup accolades.
However, the owners decided to hand-in the Anfield reins to Brendan Rodgers instead. The decision came as a big surprise, as Benitez was deemed by many as the most suitable candidate to wriggle the Reds out of their slum, and to restore their Champions League
status. He also had the backing of the fans, who wanted his reappointment.
Speaking to the reporters in an interview, the 52-year old admitted that he himself was bemused at the owners’ decision not to approach him for the job.
He claimed that he was more knowledgeable of the situation at the club than many who were considered for the post, and his return to Anfield would have been welcomed even by the fans.
“It was strange not to be approached. We know the club, the players, the Academy and we have even more experience now...the fans were positive about the idea,” he said.
Benitez parted ways with http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Liverpool-c39809 in 2010 by mutual consent, following the Reds abysmal 2009/10 league campaign, which saw them finish outside the top four in the league table.
However, since his departure, Liverpool have failed to reclaim their place in the upper echelons of European foot ball. They have now failed to grab a berth in Champions League football for three successive seasons.
The Spaniard compared the current situation at Merseyside with the time when he was in charge. He pointed out that there was an element of consistency in the team under his management, and they were good enough to compete with the best outfits in the world.
“We used to play so many important games that it seemed it was normal and it wasn't. People were talking about 'the past', but just a few years ago Liverpool FC was number one in Europe,” he added.
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