When now Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez was in charge at Liverpool, he inherited Didi Hamann, who had moved from St James’ Park to sign for the Reds.
Things were very different at Newcastle United when Hamann was at the club, and certainly not the professional culture which now exists under Benitez.
“At the time, this was a little problematical, especially because the stories ended up in the press. The gifts were almost legendary, which the players gave anonymously. They were traditionally handed over in the pub.
“At Newcastle, we had an Italian, whom the boys thought did not show enough heart, character, and was too soft.
“In his package there was a pig’s heart. Some things were really on the margins. For example, I was given ‘Mein Kampf’ by Adolf Hitler. The English are well known for their own black humour.”
If similar happened at Newcastle United today and it made it’s way to the press then the backlash would surely be huge, and deservedly so, such as the times have moved on. Benitez runs a tighter ship, and it’s not worth thinking what Aleksandar Mitrovic may deem acceptable presents for some of his Newcastle teammates.
