Again, this came as no real surprise, but in a statement at approximately 4pm this afternoon, Liverpool FC released a statement today, confirming that manager Rafa Benitez was leaving the club by mutual consent.
The statement from www.lfc.tv
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."
"Thank you so much once more and always remember: You'll never walk alone."
Rafa Benitez arrived at Anfield in June 2004, with a huge reputation. He had won the UEFA Cup and La Liga, with Valencia twice in three seasons. Very quickly, he became a folk hero at Liverpool, for one historic night in Istanbul.
On Wednesday May 25th 2005, Benitez masterminded the greatest fightback in UEFA Champions League history, as his Liverpool side came back from 3-0 down at half-time to the mighty AC Milan, to tie the game up at 3-3, then a heroic Jerzy Dudek save from Andrei Shevchenko secured Liverpool their fifth European Cup, in the most unbelievable manner. The following year, a similar type of fightback, inspired by captain fantastic, Steven Gerrard saw Liverpool win the FA Cup final in Cardiff, against West Ham United on a penalty shootout.
Community Shield and European Super Cup victories would also come the way of the Anfield trophy cabinet, and there was also a brave 2005 Carling Cup final defeat to Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea after extra-time. However, the real Holy Grail that the passionate LFC fans were waiting for, was the Premiership trophy. Sadly, despite his best efforts, this goal was to elude Benitez, with the closest Liverpool would come was a 2nd place finish in the 2008/09 season, and a meagre four points shy of bitter rivals, Manchester United.
There were many special European nights at Anfield and abroad under the Benitez era too. A record 8-0 Champions League win over Besiktas in November 2007 stands out, as do historic results over the likes of Juventus, Chelsea (twice), Barcelona, Inter Milan, Real Madrid and Arsenal in Europe’s premier club competition. Another Champions League final appearance beckoned in 2007, but this time Liverpool came up short in Athens, losing 2-1 to AC Milan in the final. Benitez was also responsible for the club-record signing of the prolific Fernando Torres.
However, the last twelve months have been a disaster for Liverpool Football Club. Record debts have been published, the controversial owners, Tom Hicks and George Gillett have put the club up for sale, after becoming more unpopular. Key player Xabi Alonso departed for Real Madrid in the summer, and form on the pitch dropped as well. Elimination from the Champions’ League group stages before Christmas was a bitter pill to swallow, as was a humiliating FA Cup 3rd round replay exit in January against lowly Reading at Anfield. Capped by a 7th place Premiership finish, Liverpool’s worst league season since 1999 and Rafa has paid the ultimate price, with his job.
Assistant manager Sammy Lee will take charge for now, with a successor unlikely to be appointed until after the World Cup finals. Martin O’Neill, Guus Hiddink, Roy Hodgson and Jurgen Klinsmann have all been mentioned, but the successor must be aware that the transfer budget for strengthening the squad will be minimal, and selling either Steven Gerrard or Fernando Torres could be essential to improve the strength-in-depth.
It is a sad way for things to finish, for what was a nearly perfect marriage throughout – but Rafa Benitez has left many fantastic memories which Liverpool fans will never ever forget, and all I can say is “thanks Rafa, and best wishes for the future.”
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