Jürgen Klopp guided Liverpool to their second Champions League success of this millennium in 2019 and the first one came under Rafael Benítez’s guidance in 2005.
When the Spaniard was at Anfield, the Reds came close to winning their first Premier League title, during the 2008/09 season. However, they finished four points behind the winners of that campaign, Manchester United.
Things have been different for the Merseyside club this time around as they are in a comfortable position to win the title.
Benítez is currently in Spain with Chinese club Dalian Professional and this gave ann Marca have sat down for an interview with the former Newcastle United manager.
When asked about the difference between the current Liverpool side and the one he managed between 2004 to 2010, Benítez said: “We had no money. Our transfer budget, in my last year, was €17m.
“So, with that you could not compete. We had to try to sell to buy and when you sell Mascherano, Xabi Alonso, Torres…”
“It was the only way to try to get closer to the rivals. This Liverpool team has two or three years of very good investment and a lot of success in signing. And then, a coach whose opinion is valued by the owners.”
Liverpool suffered a 1-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid in the first leg of the Champions League knockout tie at Wanda Metropolitano last month. Benítez gave his view on what can Diego Simeone’s men expect during the return leg at Anfield.
“Liverpool will try to overpower, to be on top, not to let Atletico out from minute one. If Atletico are able to be calm, which they have on many occasions, and surpass the first moment, they can hurt,” he explained.
“Of course, I’ve been to Liverpool and I like that team to win. My family is there, I still enjoy the city… but I also say that my father was from Atletico Madrid and, therefore, I do not want to position myself on one side or the other. I only do a professional analysis and, although it is obvious, any result can be given.”
