Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez refuses to rule out Liverpool return

The Spaniard was in charge of the Reds for seven years from 2004 and guided them to their fifth Champions League title in his debut season

Saturday 30 September 2017 05:22 EDT
Comments
Rafa Benitez's Newcastle United host his former side Liverpool on Sunday
Rafa Benitez's Newcastle United host his former side Liverpool on Sunday (Getty Images)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Rafa Benitez has hinted that he would one day like to return to the manager’s job at Liverpool.

The Spaniard was in charge of the Reds for seven years from 2004 and guided them to their fifth Champions League title in his debut season.

After spells at Inter Milan, Chelsea, Napoli and Real Madrid, Benitez was brought in to save Newcastle from relegation in March last year.

Newcastle will be hosting Liverpool in the Premier League on Sunday and when asked if he had ever considered going back, the 57-year-old refused to rule it out.

“I haven’t had too many chances to go back. But that is football, you never know,” he said.

Have I come close? The job is quite difficult. I have been in Italy or Madrid or moving around. It has to be the right time. When you have problems and are available, they might be doing well.

“I am getting older but for a manager still a young manager.

“I don’t want to say (I will go back). I am really pleased here. I am happy here. And I wish Jurgen Klopp a lot of success.

Benitez admitted playing against his former side will be a special and emotional experience.

"It's a special game for me. It will be emotional, because I spent so many years there, and have so many good memories. My family still live in Liverpool, so it is my home," Benitez told Newcastle's website.

"I have a lot of positive, very good relationships with Liverpool fans, (including) the families connected to Hillsborough. There are a lot of connections, and it will be very emotional."

Nostalgia aside, Benitez said he is focused on ensuring his team get all three points.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in