Rafa Benitez denies rift with Steven Gerrard
Current Real Madrid and ex-Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has rejected claims made by former player Steven Gerrard that their relationship was 'emotionless and distant,' chalking it up as an attempt by Gerrard to sell copies of his yet-to-be-released autobiography "My Story."
The former Liverpool skipper and current member of the MLS's LA Galaxy says in his autobiography that Benitez is nothing short of a tactically astute gaffer, but that their relationship was fractured at best.
"I don't think Rafa Benitez liked me as a person. I'm not sure why, but that's the feeling I got from him. It probably started even before he spoke to me, when he met my mum (in Portugal in 2004).
"Gerard (Houllier) introduced Rafa to my mum. Rafa shook her hand, said hello and then immediately asked her a very blunt question: 'Does Steven like money?'" Gerrard says in an excerpt from the book.
(courtesy: Daily Mail)
The comments have surprised many, as arguably Gerrard's best run of form was during the six seasons they worked together at Anfield, hoisting both an FA Cup and Champions League trophy during the Spaniard's tenure.
"I can pick up the phone and speak to all of my previous Liverpool managers. Except for Rafa," Gerrard said. "It's a shame because we probably shared the biggest night of both our careers - the 2005 Champions League victory in Istanbul - and yet there is no bond between us."
Benitez was quick to refute aspects of the book.
"I have read the comments, and I believe (Gerrard) is wrong," Benitez told a Spanish television show.
"But, what we must do now is just enjoy things. I have respect for Stevie and affection for him, for Liverpool, the club, and its fans. So I think it is best to let it go and not add anything else."
Regardless of a relationship between player and gaffer, the football trumps all, and Gerrard appears to have a clear understanding of that.
"On a basic human level I prefer a likeable manager, such as Gerard Houllier or Brendan Rodgers, but in terms of football I really don't mind working with a colder man," Gerrard said. "An emotionless and distant relationship with the likes of Rafa Benítez and Fabio Capello can sometimes produce more success."