Rafael Benitez Spanish football player and coach. Date of Birth: 16.04.1960 Country: Spain

1. Biography of Rafael Benitez
2. Early Coaching Career
3. Return to Football
4. Successful Years with Liverpool
5. Later Career

Biography of Rafael Benitez

Rafael Benitez is a Spanish football player and coach, best known for his six years as manager of Liverpool. He is currently working with Internazionale. Benitez was born in Madrid and spent most of his youth actively playing football. He even joined the Real Madrid academy. While studying at university, he played for various Spanish football teams in the lower divisions.

Early Coaching Career

At the age of twenty-six, Benitez became one of the coaches for Real Madrid. After a short time, he moved to Real Valladolid and then to Osasuna, but he quickly lost his position in both cases. His next team was Extremadura, and under his leadership, the team moved from the second division to the first in just one season. However, the following season was not as successful, and Benitez left the team and football altogether.

Return to Football

In 2000, Benitez returned to the sport as the coach of Tenerife. He then gained experience working with Valencia and was recognized as one of the best Spanish managers. His team won the Spanish football championship in the 2001-2003 season and also won the UEFA Cup. However, a conflict with the club's management led Benitez to move to Liverpool in England.

Successful Years with Liverpool

In his new role, Benitez faced the challenge of convincing the team captain not to leave for Chelsea. He succeeded in this task but failed to persuade Michael Owen to extend his contract, and Owen joined Real Madrid. However, Benitez was able to attract several Spanish players, including Luis Garcia and Xabi Alonso, who proved to be valuable acquisitions. He also revitalized the Liverpool squad, with Jamie Carragher becoming one of the best central defenders in Europe under his guidance.

In his first season with Liverpool, key players missed a significant part of the season due to injuries, resulting in a disappointing performance in the Premier League. However, the team performed better in the UEFA Champions League and reached the final against AC Milan. After a thrilling match that ended in a 3-3 draw, Liverpool won the penalty shootout and claimed the championship title.

In the following year, Benitez strengthened his team further by bringing in new players such as Peter Crouch, Mohamed Sissoko, Pepe Reina, Boudewijn Zenden, and Daniel Agger. Liverpool finished third in the Premier League but won the FA Cup. Despite financial difficulties, the team reached the Champions League final again but lost to Milan.

Later Career

The 2009-2010 season was a disappointment for Liverpool, and Benitez was eventually removed from his position. However, he quickly found a new opportunity with Internazionale.