Rafael Benitez expected talks over Liverpool FC manager’s job

Former Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has admitted he was surprised not to have been approached about taking charge at the club at the end of last season.

Earlier this year Benitez, who guided the Reds to both FA Cup and Champions League success during his time at the club, revealed he “would be pleased” to return to Merseyside. Following the sacking of Kenny Dalglish back in May, the Spaniard’s name was believed to be in the frame as owners Fenway Sports Group looked for a new manager. But the 53-year-old has confirmed there was no contact with the club’s American owners – something which he expected to happen – before they decided to appoint Brendan Rodgers. “It was strange not to be approached,” Benitez told the Irish Independent.

“We know the club, the players, the Academy and we have even more experience now…the fans were positive about the idea.” Earlier this year, Benitez had been quoted as saying that “every time that I talk about Liverpool. I try to be respectful because of my relationship with the fans and the city.” And speaking about his achievements during his time in the Anfield hotseat, he added: “We used to play so many important games that it seemed it was normal and it wasn’t. “People were talking about ‘the past’, but just a few years ago Liverpool FC was number one in Europe.”