Liverpool have confirmed the departure of their manager Rafael Benítez. The club released a statement this afternoon saying the Spaniard is to leave the club "by mutual consent".
Kenny Dalglish is to assist the Liverpool managing director, Christian Purslow, in the search for a replacement. Roy Hodgson, Martin O'Neill and Louis van Gaal are among the bookmakers early favourites for the post.
"It is very sad for me to announce that I will no longer be manager of Liverpool FC," Benítez said. "I would like to thank all of the staff and players for their efforts.
"I'll always keep in my heart the good times I've had here, the strong and loyal support of the fans in the tough times and the love from Liverpool. I have no words to thank you enough for all these years and I am very proud to say that I was your manager."
Benítez joined the club from Valencia in 2004 and guided the side to the Champions League title in his first season in charge. The FA Cup followed in 2006, but he was unable to transform his side's cup form into Premier League success.
Despite regular top-four finishes, the closest Liverpool came to the title during his reign was in 2008-09, when they were runners-up to Manchester United. Last season Benítez's side missed out on the Champions League qualifying spots, finishing the season in seventh.
Despite those shortcomings in the league, Benítez is admired by the Internazionale president, Massimo Moratti, who is searching for a replacement for José Mourinho at San Siro.
Liverpool FC today confirmed that Rafael Benitez is to leave the club by mutual consent.
Mr Benitez relinquishes his position as team manager after six years and the Board of Directors would like to place on record their grateful thanks for his services and wish him all the best in his future career.
The Board has now asked Managing Director Christian Purslow, with the assistance of Club Ambassador Kenny Dalglish, to begin a formal search to identify and assess potential candidates for the managerial position.
No timescale has been placed on the process and Liverpool FC will make no further statement until a new manager is appointed.
LFC Chairman Martin Broughton said: "Rafa will forever be part of Liverpool folklore after bringing home the Champions League following the epic final in Istanbul but after a disappointing season both parties felt a fresh start would be best for all concerned.''
Rafael Benitez said: "It is very sad for me to announce that I will no longer be manager of Liverpool FC. I would like to thank all of the staff and players for their efforts.
"I'll always keep in my heart the good times I've had here, the strong and loyal support of the fans in the tough times and the love from Liverpool. I have no words to thank you enough for all these years and I am very proud to say that I was your manager.
"Thank you so much once more and always remember: You'll never walk alone."
Nice words from Rafa, but Liverpool were struggling with him in charge. He did some good when he first arrived but hasnt delivered in recent years. Good luck to him wherever he ends up and hopefully Liverpool can find a better manager that will bring success to Anfield.
MUFCBOY wrote:Sad day for the rest of the premier league
Gerrard will go now....
I could have seen him leaving if Rafa stayed, but with a new manager on the way I can't see him leaving.
Kuyt might follow Rafa, but other than that I can't see many players going simply because of Benitez.
Can't wait to see who replaces Rafa and what changes they bring to the club.
haywood djablowme wrote:
I believe Arsenal have improved more than the Poo! (we are only 5 pts behind you)
MUFCBOY wrote:Sad day for the rest of the premier league
Gerrard will go now....
I could have seen him leaving if Rafa stayed, but with a new manager on the way I can't see him leaving.
Kuyt might follow Rafa, but other than that I can't see many players going simply because of Benitez.
Can't wait to see who replaces Rafa and what changes they bring to the club.
yeah can't wait to see mark hughes become manager and buy bellamy and santa cruz and sell torres and gerrard
"My best moment? I have a lot of good moments but the one I prefer is when I kicked the hooligan." - King Eric
MUFCBOY wrote:Sad day for the rest of the premier league
Gerrard will go now....
IMO Gerrard should of gone 4 years ago when he was at his peak. We won't know much until the WC finishes, but I'd be surprised if Torres stays now that the Fat Waiter has gone.
"The game is about glory, doing things in style and with a flourish, going out and beating the other lot, not waiting for them to die of boredom."
Danny Blanchflower
Liverpool have confirmed the departure of their manager Rafael Benítez. The club released a statement this afternoon saying the Spaniard is to leave the club "by mutual consent".
"by mutual consent"... Liverpool dodged a bullet there. Imagine if Benítez demanded his $27million payout.
I hope Liverpool slip into obscurity. Shit club, Shit fans
Liverpool have confirmed the departure of their manager Rafael Benítez. The club released a statement this afternoon saying the Spaniard is to leave the club "by mutual consent".
"by mutual consent"... Liverpool dodged a bullet there. Imagine if Benítez demanded his $27million payout.
I hope Liverpool slip into obscurity. Shit club, Shit fans
Great club and great fans (in the UK at least) but a couple of right knobheads running the joint.
"The game is about glory, doing things in style and with a flourish, going out and beating the other lot, not waiting for them to die of boredom."
Danny Blanchflower
Liverpool have confirmed the departure of their manager Rafael Benítez. The club released a statement this afternoon saying the Spaniard is to leave the club "by mutual consent".
Kenny Dalglish is to assist the Liverpool managing director, Christian Purslow, in the search for a replacement. Roy Hodgson, Martin O'Neill and Louis van Gaal are among the bookmakers early favourites for the post.
"It is very sad for me to announce that I will no longer be manager of Liverpool FC," Benítez said. "I would like to thank all of the staff and players for their efforts.
"I'll always keep in my heart the good times I've had here, the strong and loyal support of the fans in the tough times and the love from Liverpool. I have no words to thank you enough for all these years and I am very proud to say that I was your manager."
Benítez joined the club from Valencia in 2004 and guided the side to the Champions League title in his first season in charge. The FA Cup followed in 2006, but he was unable to transform his side's cup form into Premier League success.
Despite regular top-four finishes, the closest Liverpool came to the title during his reign was in 2008-09, when they were runners-up to Manchester United. Last season Benítez's side missed out on the Champions League qualifying spots, finishing the season in seventh.
Despite those shortcomings in the league, Benítez is admired by the Internazionale president, Massimo Moratti, who is searching for a replacement for José Mourinho at San Siro.
Liverpool FC today confirmed that Rafael Benitez is to leave the club by mutual consent.
Mr Benitez relinquishes his position as team manager after six years and the Board of Directors would like to place on record their grateful thanks for his services and wish him all the best in his future career.
The Board has now asked Managing Director Christian Purslow, with the assistance of Club Ambassador Kenny Dalglish, to begin a formal search to identify and assess potential candidates for the managerial position.
No timescale has been placed on the process and Liverpool FC will make no further statement until a new manager is appointed.
LFC Chairman Martin Broughton said: "Rafa will forever be part of Liverpool folklore after bringing home the Champions League following the epic final in Istanbul but after a disappointing season both parties felt a fresh start would be best for all concerned.''
Rafael Benitez said: "It is very sad for me to announce that I will no longer be manager of Liverpool FC. I would like to thank all of the staff and players for their efforts.
"I'll always keep in my heart the good times I've had here, the strong and loyal support of the fans in the tough times and the love from Liverpool. I have no words to thank you enough for all these years and I am very proud to say that I was your manager.
"Thank you so much once more and always remember: You'll never walk alone."
Nice words from Rafa, but Liverpool were struggling with him in charge. He did some good when he first arrived but hasnt delivered in recent years. Good luck to him wherever he ends up and hopefully Liverpool can find a better manager that will bring success to Anfield.
What an overreaction to one bad season when their two marquee players spent most of it injured! 'Hasn't delivered in recent years', I assume your little mind has already forgotten last season when they finished second.
Sad day for the club because not matter what he will be remembered as a legend as he got the fifth european cup. Not really happy with this move...who wants to go to a club with owners like h&g/club for sale, uncertainties about star players futures, no transfer budget etc.
Kitchimo wrote:What an overreaction to one bad season when their two marquee players spent most of it injured! 'Hasn't delivered in recent years', I assume your little mind has already forgotten last season when they finished second.
Benitez isn't gone because of the football, he's gone because of the politics.
Kitchimo wrote:What an overreaction to one bad season when their two marquee players spent most of it injured! 'Hasn't delivered in recent years', I assume your little mind has already forgotten last season when they finished second.
Benitez isn't gone because of the football, he's gone because of the politics.
and the politic caused by the football ..
so yea it's all related !!
Benitez isn't gone because of the football, he's gone because of the politics.[/quote]
couldn't agree more. Questionable decisions on the field but he loved the club and had to put up with alot of boardroom w*nks. Fckn owners should be gone
The Kop wrote:Benitez' first 5 years:
0405 - 5th (CL winners)
0506 - 3rd (FA Cup Winners)
0607 - 3rd
0809 - 2nd
0910 - 7th
Ferguson's first 5 years:
8687 - 11th
8788 - 2nd
8889 - 11th
8990 - 13th (FA Cup Winners)
9091 - 6th (Cup Winners Cup Winners)
what exactly are you trying to point out there?? when fergie took over at united they were just above relegation, i think benitez walked into a far more comfortable environment.
"My best moment? I have a lot of good moments but the one I prefer is when I kicked the hooligan." - King Eric
The Kop wrote:Benitez' first 5 years:
0405 - 5th (CL winners)
0506 - 3rd (FA Cup Winners)
0607 - 3rd
0809 - 2nd
0910 - 7th
Ferguson's first 5 years:
8687 - 11th
8788 - 2nd
8889 - 11th
8990 - 13th (FA Cup Winners)
9091 - 6th (Cup Winners Cup Winners)
what exactly are you trying to point out there?? when fergie took over at united they were just above relegation, i think benitez walked into a far more comfortable environment.
Veggos wrote:How about Arsene's first five years? That guy is superb.
How about Arsene's last five years? That guy is wank.
"The game is about glory, doing things in style and with a flourish, going out and beating the other lot, not waiting for them to die of boredom."
Danny Blanchflower
Chade wrote:Benitez isn't gone because of the football, he's gone because of the politics.
and the politic caused by the football ..
so yea it's all related !!
Simplistic reply is simplistic.
From a simpleton what do you expect?
"The game is about glory, doing things in style and with a flourish, going out and beating the other lot, not waiting for them to die of boredom."
Danny Blanchflower
Liverpool are forever living off past glories and have unrealistic expectations in the here and now. They are a strong club, but the fact they are still referred to as part of "the big four" irritates me as they haven't won the league title for 20 years, and have finished OUTSIDE the top four on three occasions in the past eight seasons alone. Man U, Chelsea and Arsenal have all won the trophy at least twice in the same period and have never finished outside the top four during this time.
I know Liverpool won the Champions League in 2004/2005, but they finished 37 points behind Chelsea that year in the Premiership, so you can't call it a completely successful season.
Whoever replaces Benitez has a very tough job, because he will be expected to bring great success to a club that is only above-average.
