Rafa Benitez: The Liverpool Era & His Management Journey | Episode 45

[@TheOverlap]

What's your favourite Rafa moment? 🤔

[@Sillygoooose624]

@@TheOverlap The bit where you failed to talk about 50,000 fans chanted and serenading Rafa Benitez, to the tune of ‘Rafa Benitez we want you to stay’ 🖤🤍

[@delmarfo]

When he pulled out the dead sea scrolls from inside his jacket pocket and proceeded to call out all the transgressions of Sir Alex Ferguson

[@KPP365]

Everton is a small club 😂😂😂

[@chrisb420]

Facts facts facts😂

[@siddharthatalukdar4227]

Fact

[@antc9819]

The way Rafa can remember the smallest details from so long ago is incredible.

[@TemiAbiola]

I thought it was just me impressed with his memory. It's ridiculous

[@gaffer2602]

Cara probably picked it up from him

[@tim1903]

other than talking to Neville in the stairway

[@hello_there77]

A nice man but also a very bitter man. He hates that he was in united shadow

[@pauldkb1700]

​@@gaffer2602it did remind me a bit of Jamie

[@PontyP]

Never seen Roy Keane so quiet in my life, you can tell how deep he is in thought as well as interest in what Rafa is saying. Class podcast once again

[@Jay0B938]

Keane will 100% get back into management at some point. Plus it's probably a POV he's not heard before. Different type of manager than Clough/Fergie

[@thefullstop23]

Keane admits to being "a student of the game", we (not me) laugh at him for it but he is exactly that. I remember him saying before, on a bus while playing for United, there was a Liverpool documentary on with Dalglish or something, and he was watching it with absolute interest, and when he turned to look around, none of the other players were interested. Thats why I love Keane, (and I support LFC since 93 btw) he has that respect for the game.

[@r4h4al]

Or he was bored af.

[@kowu1919]

I think it was a Shankly doc. Was that the interview with Gary walking the dog? @@thefullstop23

[@naheem]

Rafa won 13 titles as a coach, managing some of the biggest clubs in the world.

[@MrSumo]

We need more managers in the pod. This was a brilliant epi. Rafa is criminally underrated.

[@omiethamsia9009]

he doesn’t like interviews but they need mourinho

[@rossneil4413]

How is he underrated ?

[@dotunbello]

Being a good orator doesn't make him a good coach. Relax

[@wpracy]

@@dotunbellohe was a brilliant coach

[@dotunbello]

I was there. He was just fine

[@tombk5326]

I love Rafa so much, the way he responds to a question for 30 seconds and then just goes off on his own tangent for two minutes after is just so funny his brain goes at 100mph at all times

[@gamemasteroffun]

We have ADHD

[@JimmyDanger44]

We need a part 2 with Rafa because it was brilliant from start to finish, and I think they only scratched the surface on his stories and the way his mind works

[@hermankermit-warm1121]

Definitely and do it on a day where Carragher is off somewhere so we can hear more than just about Istanbul and Everton. Guy is a hugely talented manager, have liked him ever since his awesome Valencia side were shocking the big European sides of the time.

[@johnkeohane4239]

No move on. New guest

[@charitysimon-peraboh5555]

I concur

[@BryanCooperOfficial]

I know his English has improved a lot since he first joined Liverpool, but even now I found it really hard to understand what he was saying underneath that strong accent. Does anyone else have this issue with Jamie Carragher?

[@RobK32]

Haha

[@raymanbristol4347]

What a comment

[@fodz9246]

bahahahhahahahhaha

[@fergusmaher7490]

Best comment on the podcast 🎉

[@tshelby9808]

Had me in the first half 🤣

[@tashrif46]

11:49 I am surprised we just glossed over his Valencia career like that. He won 2 league titles in 2002 and 2004 with Real Madrid, Barcelona, Deportivo La Coruna all challenging for the league. He also won the UEFA Cup in 2004. People forget other than Jose Mourinho, Rafa was the other sought after up and coming manager in Europe at that time.

[@JudeBcoin]

I was living in Spain when he had that Valencia side or rather side cos it changed radically. Amazing what he did there. Mendieta is still one of my all time favourite players

[@kiriakoz]

@@JudeBcoin Mendieta was class.

[@denzel1989]

Aimar ayala baraja kiko martinez class team

[@Goki007]

@@JudeBcoinmendieta never played under Rafa

[@akaskinz1856]

Because the pundits don't know ball

[@FrowningIke]

Disclaimer : I'm a Liverpool supporter This is the most enthralling one I've ever watched! Don't believe me? Have you EVER seen Roy and Wrighty so quiet? Just listening! The "boring" stuff about budget constraints was fascinating and not something we ever hear.

[@ak3nodxd674]

yeah it was very refreshing and to look at his perspective of how he dealt with liverpools budget and brought them to win ucl

[@BetamaxBanditm]

It's not something you hear because it's straight up lies

[@Bravemouth2]

Keane and Wrighty showed respect. Jamie, one of yours, was the rudest possible human on this, constantly interrupting

[@FrowningIke]

@@Bravemouth2 "one of yours" speaks volumes about what drives your opinions.

[@SM-mz2hz]

No need to bang on about the budget again and again. We get it. Other teams had more money.

[@ahmabu2437]

Rafa's recollection of details is incredible!!!

[@walshknwsbest]

It’s so much rambling tho. He doesn’t make that many actual points or give proper reasoning with his answers. Very hard to follow

[@pafav1653]

Similar to Carra’s really 🧠

[@Londonechoes]

I thought the same thing! He's the last person you want to be drunk with on a night out, he'd remind you of everything the next day 😂

[@tomnbg3048]

@@Londonechoes 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@jamdonut4021]

​@@walshknwsbestunderstood him perfectly

[@JamesKennedy33]

"I don't want to generalise, but generally?" that's a Neville classic if ever I heard one!!

[@simonwalsh5567]

I picked up on that one 😂

[@DjDown1984]

Took the words out me mouth (letters off me fingers)

[@livinginafantasyworld5164]

Noticed that one 😂😂😂

[@Strangepete]

To be fair he did say that at what was sort of if you like this moment in what would be time

[@silewis9396]

Very rarely thinks before he speaks

[@jasonmullen9788]

Jamie getting a few things off his chest here with Rafa 😂 A little therapy session.

[@mbchow87]

But Keane was right... if a player was not doing his best and attempting not to be cup tied so he can move, the players (especially Gerrard and Carra) should have stepped up and told Alonso to sort himself out. The blame cannot solely lie with the manager.

[@Fonsemania80]

@@jasonmullen9788 I know right..Jamie be like "I've been waiting 15 years to say this!"...🤣🤣🤣🤣... AMAZING POD

[@m.m7979]

Come here to say this 😂

[@andrewwright4195]

​@@mbchow87gerrard always stepped in finals and semi finals so what you talking about?

[@dowde2-ol5kl]

​@@mbchow87Benitez tried offload Xabi for Gareth Barry and then needed him for champions league qualifier. Xabi dead right for not wanting to play. Benitez messed up their relationship

[@DarraghC]

I had the privilege of meeting Rafa when he brought Newcastle to play St Patricks Athletic in Dublin. I was unashamedly very unprofessional (for the first time ever) when I asked Rafa to pose for a picture with me pre match pitch side. Not only did he oblige, but he talked football (Istanbul) with me for several minutes before apologizing and stating he had to go talk to his coaches. Completely understandable and I was delighted with what I had received from him. I was just hoping for a picture not a conversation. A couple of minutes later I got a tap on the shoulder. I turned around to see Rafael standing there to finish off the conversation. After which, he politely bid farewell. I found him to be an absolute gent.

[@tobyreed8916]

It’s very interesting that when they bring in a guest that was a manager or someone they regard very highly. They all sit like school kids listening to an old teacher, amazing!

[@GregOGrady84]

@@tobyreed8916 Listening? All Carragher did the whole way through it was interupt him

[@PmashWATP]

Four of them do! One completely ruins it.

[@daddybassi]

It’s called respect.

[@Jim90117]

I don't think Rafa gets enough credit, He did amazing things even before he came to Liverpool. He won La Liga twice in the early 2000s against really scary Real Madrid and Barcelona squads.

[@leejones3377]

I thinks it's more like concentration following him.

[@handrymar]

Never expect Rafa is so talkative and fun like this He can make Keane so quiet and look so interest to his conversation

[@bonarmilne537]

Only because Keane hasn’t got any interest in what he’s saying

[@ironheade22]

Not sure he's suited for podcasts. He can't stay on topic if his life depended on it

[@bonarmilne537]

@@ironheade22 plus Jamie interpreting him every two minutes

[@ironheade22]

@@bonarmilne537 He has to steer the ship to stop Rafa waffling about something that wasn't asked

[@bonarmilne537]

@@ironheade22 they both waffled really 😂

[@zizoucris10]

The less discussed thing about Rafa is he won two La Liga titles with Valencia, with Real Madrid and Barcelona around. Even Deportivo was quite good. That Valencia side was absolutely fantastic. Great manager.

[@monrush]

Yeeeaaahhhh but it was really with Hector Cupers team. A team that the majority of them had been to two champions league finals. Still a great achievement but some context needs to be added

[@LoCoAde87]

​@@monrushSo what? So his UCL is then what? Houiller's team? Should we give Houiller majorly or all the credit for that?!

[@monrush]

​@LoCoAde87 yep...

[@ktkee7161]

Strange he never reproduced that dazzling style of football at Liverpool.

[@monrush]

@@ktkee7161 Long ball Rafa

[@raystephens1142]

Didn’t think I’d enjoy Benitez as much as I did. Very engaging.

[@unitedwestand1994]

“I am not the waiter” is such a genius line by Rafa

[@rossgordon235]

@@CM-ss7yyprobably because they’d been talking offset for an hour prior

[@Do27gg]

I think I missed the joke

[@RandomVideosFirst]

@@CM-ss7yy They meet each other beforehand, the start is just for us to watch

[@Stubbz83]

What’s genius about it?

[@jansund1650]

@@Stubbz83 He was called a spanish waiter by Jose back in the day. Dunno why he said it directly to Gary tho.

[@linvilleb1910]

Roy and Ian showing Jamie and Gary how you interview someone. Sit, listen and wait for them to finish their point

[@DanielWhite-gn6il]

I was searching for a comment like this. Love the podcast but Jesus let the man finish - particularly when he is so eloquent

[@paulikens6443]

Does Rafa ever finish? He doesn't come for air

[@jrn2121]

Are you kidding me? Ian Wright talks over everyone all the time. Annoying af.

[@Neil_Mackie]

But it's not an interview, is it? Isn't all this in essence trying to capture a conversation, with the informality and personal involvement it brings?

[@graemenawn]

Carragher feeling like he has to answer on behalf of Benitez is infuriating

[@vaychel]

Rafa couldn't get a full story in without Carra interrupting him! Amazing to hear his perspectives. great respect to him from the team

[@deanmcdougall5331]

Rafa can’t get a full story in on his own accord, will always tangent into something completely different half way through. Jamie was bringing him back to the point.

[@saadmasood6646]

Exactly people just hate Carra for everything he does nowadays ​@deanmcdougall5331

[@gameiasaji470]

that was really annoying

[@PEStylesHD]

@@deanmcdougall5331 Legit the man doesn’t know how to land.

[@shamssadiq3849]

Im sure Carra stoped Rafa from completely opening up on a-lot of things. Very annoying 😡 Carra please learn how to be a host! the show wasn’t about you telling your stories

[@eoinmurtagh1441]

Knowledge of Rafa at a different level, Keane listening intensely, soaking it up....

[@Carrera90]

…..he was thinking “what nonsense is he blabbering on about….?”

[@zincubuz3911]

He was probably trying to understand what he was saying

[@FrankSolo367]

This man broke the Real, Barca monopoly not once but twice. First one to do in the modern era. At the time he went to Liverpool he was the most respected coach in Spain. Being the first big Spanish coach to go to England, all the Spanish players he brought to LFC & their European success is the big reason Liverpool are the most respected English club in Spain.

[@ktkee7161]

He was never the most respected coach in Spain.

[@JudeBcoin]

True

[@EmmaKing30]

@@ktkee7161who was?

[@KyleSLFC]

We love Spain for that reason. Reina, Arbeloa, Alonso, Garcia and Morientes 🇪🇸

[@Gavsy1874]

@@ktkee7161Yes he was. After winning the league twice with Valencia.

[@JovittL2]

it was pure gold when Rafa said " In todays makert, Gerard and Carragher would be worth 200 Millions, Gerard 180 and Jamie 20". Even his own manager knows...

[@nelsoncarter8323]

Well that’s just exaggeration If braithwaithe is worth 60m carra should worth 70m I’m today’s market

[@LoCoAde87]

@nelsoncarter8323 Don't bother, mate. These cretins genuinely believe he isn't worth more than 20M in his peak if even that. Like all Liverpool players, they belittle constantly. Even Suarez didn't get the full credit he deserved for 12/13 and 13/14 from many non-Liverpool until he played for Barca. And don't get me started on Gerrard himself lol.

[@bhavyamankad479]

Carra at his peak would've been 3rd best defender in current lot.

[@aleatorio4]

which time he said that?

[@zaidabraham7310]

He was joking. Carragher was a good defender for his time. Carragher at his peak would have been worth £15 million back then (which was a lot of money for a CB in the mid-2000's), maybe £35 million nowadays (because I don't think he would suit the modern possession-based game)

[@GrumpyOldMan-pk3mg]

I’ve never known Roy and Ian be so quiet, listening in awe almost, Jamie on the other hand.

[@eamonreidy9534]

Roy does respect greatness

[@richardgoldie5923]

Jamie was so out of order in this pod. Almost showed Rafa no respect

[@brodogoks2526]

They cannot contribute to anything tactically

[@thesaintst1851]

I agree.. like Jamie but too much interruption this time

[@brodogoks2526]

@@GrumpyOldMan-pk3mg they don’t understand tactics so couldn’t contribute

[@donuts24]

This has been my favorite STF so far. Rafa is really engaging and interesting. You can tell he's a student of the game.

[@hastyhalfwit6637]

Didn’t expect Rafa to have that aura. He talks you listen. Enjoyed this.

[@juniorperavlova]

Really? I don't think he comes across at all. Not an engaging character in my opinion.

[@stefhunt7467]

You can absolutely see all of them drawn in - especially Keane

[@hastyhalfwit6637]

@@juniorperavlova interestingly I think that’s a slightly different thing. Engaging suggests he’s charming, I’m not sure he is either. But he knows his stuff in football and made 5 extremely experienced professionals sit down a take note.

[@rzzz7791]

Agreed

[@DanielPain-rm8fx]

don’t think it’s an aura i think they were just waiting for him to finish his point as he talks for so long without actually saying that much

[@showtimehussam]

The best thing about this episode is not just Rafa's detailed memory but how he answers every question. Asked about Z, he starts the story from A. Brilliant episode.

[@nufcaman]

Anyone else watched every stick to football shows so far without skipping.

[@Agenda-Neutral]

Nah

[@MarkGerald78]

I have a life im afraid

[@joaogarrido9549]

Yes

[@badofcheese]

I mean, surely as a minimum everyone is skipping the 2-20 minutes of them sitting around patting each other on the ego before they even start talking about football?

[@mibar739]

Watched almost all, but skipped some that werent interesting. They should do mourinho, cantona or SAF next!

[@nickgan8089]

We need part 2 of RAFA please. He has so much to share!

[@ollyliam-john7868]

This has definitely been my favourite episode so far. Rafa's opening statement caught me completely off guard. I appreciate that the interrupting may be frustrating, but it reflects the engagement, connection and desire to expand excellent footballing minds.

[@rzzz7791]

Agreed, to me the best episode. Deep, analytical, powerful, passionate talk. I was blown away in the first minutes

[@Thetruefinesser1000]

When Rafa started the session talking about his visit to Old Trafford in 1999 knew this was going to be a great interview. Always been an Intelligent guy.

[@Imsoconfusedthesedays]

Can’t believe they got Rafa!

[@dazediss6629]

Bout time Jamie got a guest on tbh

[@philbarton2832]

The man's after a job in the prem, he's doing the PR rounds

[@boiboiboi1419]

​@@philbarton2832 some got the idea right

[@graemesteel5556]

The way he breaks things down, his in-depth analysis & knowledge is incredible. The way he remembers things from years ago like it was yesterday is phenomenal. The way they all sat and listened to his every word tells you everything you need to know about the man. Top coach/manager, excellent podcast again 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@Tadaia]

I noticed and was shocked that Wrighty remembered some details also.

[@kevinvira]

I cant believe the smile on my face seeing Rafa. Started watching football around the time he came in to Liverpool. The Spanish influence on that team was a joy to watch.

[@Ghost11-i4d]

Jamie treating this one like a therapy session😂😂 emotionally scarred from the departure of Xavi Alonso

[@TheNightmareAssasin]

Xabi*

[@mitchellgreen3757]

Xabi.

[@johnnykeane9633]

I suppose Alonso made his job very easy, just pass it to him and let him play 🔥

[@ScottMorrison-o3j]

*xabi

[@NotGodel]

Xabi

[@paulwalsh1640]

Absolutely brilliant. Rafa had us all glued to every word. None of the team had a biscuit cake or tea until 57 mins in. Really enjoyed that.👏👏👏

[@eddie1173]

Best one yet in my eyes. Shows the complexity behind running a team, club, owners. This shows that players only have a small grasp on what is actually going on. Most wouldn’t have the spark plugs to even comprehend. World class managers are a class apart. Could listen to this interview for hours more.

[@irGuilty]

Bloody hell Jamie, can you let Rafa finish a sentence!

[@grantwatson27yearsago14]

Yup... he was so annoying in this. Maybe he was nervous and has issues with him. I was really enjoying listening to Rafa but he just got cut off all the time by Jamie.

[@AziDNanA]

@@grantwatson27yearsago14 he probably have those question that he wanted to ask before but couldn't. i can understand why Jamie do that.. he knows that period is probably his greatest moment but it all went down.. i actually thankful that he press on with regards to Xabi leaving.. because i did blame Rafa when Xabi moved, not anymore..

[@petermorgan6884]

​@@AziDNanAye rafa was going to avoid the question and go in circles. Cara has waited for years to get the answer.

[@thrilla72]

​@@AziDNanA Well Rafa was avoiding answering because he'd rather take the blame than let the fans realise that Xabi actually wanted to leave them. Jamie shouldn't need to ask all this

[@thrilla72]

​@@petermorgan6884 Rafa trying his best to protect Xabi Alonso's Liverpool relationship there

[@toms6807]

Rafa had tremendous patience here with Carragher's constant interruptions

[@shanedoherty4698]

To be fair if you don’t interrupt him he waffles on alot😂

[@Concernedworldcitizen]

@@shanedoherty4698exactly too much waffle!

[@joriordan1654]

He had to interrupt as Rafa regularly went off on a tangent a million miles away from the original question

[@demejiuk5660]

He’s the guest if he waffles let him waffle and let the audience decide if they like it or nice. You brought him on to express himself…so let him cook. You can’t invite someone and just talk over them etc. basic respect

[@jasbindersidhu]

Roy Keane appreciates insightful knowledge. Quiet and listens.

[@dazediss6629]

I wanted to hear more about his Valencia days; he discovered players like Ayala, Aimar, Rufete, David Villa, Curro Torres, Canizares, Angulo, Mista, Mendieta, Carew, Baraja, etc. Incredible manager & took La Liga away from Madrid & Barcelona.

[@WanderingChin]

That Valencia team was incredible. I remember sitting on the living room floor watching ITV; Aimar & Co tearing us apart. He never really got that kind of fluidity at Liverpool, but Rafa still gave me memories I'll never forget.

[@jdgjagerbomber9430]

Blame Rafe for not being able to keep his answers short and waffling for ages and not even answering the stuff he was asked 😂

[@tonyjamesred2]

Ruben Baraja and David Albelda were brilliant in the middle of the park

[@imnotkevinbrennan5955]

Didn’t hector cuper find and mould most of these players?

[@GetHipFX]

Gary’s on the show… doesn’t wanna bring back traumatic memories

[@TheMoeBenali]

Rivalry aside, I met Rafa at Manchester Airport in 2022 and I can tell you that he is a genuine nice person.

[@liviub916]

I don't know how many people understand what he's talking about but trust me this is a truly intelligent person and was a great coach , it was a pleasure to hear his analyse .

[@greyman6353]

Rafa might have a reputation for being a bit cold in his man management but as a thinker with a deep knowledge of the game, he is absolutely worth listening to

[@golfinggeordie7203]

RAFA ...Newcastle legend..stayed with club when relegated and got promotion at first attempt....

[@jayman2986]

Rafa’s memory is bloody incredible 🤣 to be fair actually seems a real nice guy ….. made Roy Keane chuckle so bonus points lol

[@denzel1989]

When he was giving out about fergie roy loved it

[@jayman2986]

@@denzel1989 when he said there was only 1 manager he didn’t like, Roy “was he Scottish” 🤣🤣🤣 I guessing that 1 manager was Jose?

[@garymck5181]

It's Allerdyce I think.​@jayman2986

[@michael-zg5fq]

Yeah I was thinking big Sam unless it's someone in Spain or Italy ​@@garymck5181

[@jayman2986]

@@garymck5181 oh really didn’t know these two had beef although tbf you could be right, see big Sam drinking a beer more than Jose 🤣🤣

[@tommyg1290]

Rafa is a lovely, hardworking, intelligent man - which true Liverpool supporters knew all along ❤

[@DaleHanky97]

Takes a special manager to be loved unconditionally by both Liverpool and Newcastle fans.

[@misterisak]

whut, why would that take a special manager lol newcastle and liverpool don't have an intense hatred, and hardly any managers have managed both clubs? Keegan, Dalglish and Benitez is all I can think of, all three are liked by both clubs?

[@matthewjamison]

If Newcastle had of backed King Kenny, he'd of got a tune out of Newcastle. He was promised money that the board welched on. That's why he only stayed a year.

[@howtoscoot881]

An average manager*

[@Plates1927]

He sold off the most entertaining team of the mid 90's and brought in absolute 8hite

[@A6kilr]

@@misterisakKeegan never managed Liverpool.

[@rc4934]

This is one of the most chaotic interviews just spiralled in its own direction but what a sit down. One of the best ones yet and very informative. Love it

[@nodaeyj]

it was a real conversation

[@josephhunter1627]

Gary neville and jamie carragher are ego maniacs they didnt appreciate rafa insight and constantly interrupted him

[@nodaeyj]

@@josephhunter1627 yhhhhhhhhh whatever

[@partypoppers1988]

Rafa just comes across as a genuine decent man. You can understand why players would love playing for him, and listen to everything he says.

[@karlanthonymargate7362]

And you could also understand why some, particularly modern players, would hate it...he's not going to give you a hug kind ok manager.

[@stephenbrown827]

Benitez: "Stevie is the best player that I have ever coached." Other players he has coached: CR7 Toni Kroos Modric Karim Benzema Gareth Bale Eden Hazard Gerrard is an absolute beast.

[@tyo007]

think ancelotti said you cant / didn't need coach ronaldo

[@scouter-xn6zi]

Or maybe they just were not at their peak at the time, while Steve was.

[@moerocco775]

Gerrard lacked the natural talent others had on this list but at his peak which seemed to go on and on, he was a force of nature between those white lines. If sheer force of will was incarnated as a footballer it would look a lot like Steven Gerrard.

[@Bravemouth2]

Oh please

[@rialb95]

@@moerocco775 it’s not that he lacked the natural talent, that wasn’t his game. His style was very english and direct. If he grew up in Europe he probably would have played like Zidane, with more individual ability. English kids play Sunday League, in Europe and South America they play in the streets or a cage and futsal.

[@whatwhatwhat0077]

Liverpool v Chelsea CL games were some of the best games between PL teams of the 00s

[@danamba7]

Absolutely. Even the tie that ended up 1-0 after 180 mins was completely enthralling.

[@kevinjameson6969]

Some of the worst games as well because both teams were so familiar with each other. Think they faced each other 9 times in two seasons. Including two 0-0 CL group stage games in 05/06.

[@TheOverlap]

Agreed, absolute classics 🍿

[@chickenoriental1210]

Agree

[@liverpooljapan]

Rafa Benitez is my managerial hero! All us Liverpool Fans in Japan have an eternal gratitude for him giving us some of the most memorable nights in history! Istanbul forever. Domo Arigatou Rafa Benitez Senpai! YNWA

[@ManofsteelZA]

What an interesting guy, the way he talks, body gesturers. A true football man.

[@alanlittle3941]

2 years on Tyneside and not even a mention. He stood his ground against Mike Ashley. We don't forget. HWTL

[@dlb1383]

Think maybe he's signed something saying he can't discuss... Ashley strikes me as the type of guy that would do that

[@GaZaDuPpY]

Loved 23:59 when Carra tried to interrupt Rafa AGAIN but Raf said "🤚🏼" 😂 😂 😂

[@dannydude007321]

I pressed it 20 times in a row... so satisfying

[@willh1970]

I love the way these experienced players are completely engrossed with Rafa when he's talking... beautiful.

[@whodoyouratemore]

Apart from carragher...

[@willh1970]

@@whodoyouratemore fair point 😆

[@maxccolwell]

A lot of respect for Rafa. Clearly very underrated following recent roles. Would be good to see him at a top 10 club with money.

[@HyperionRed]

It's fascinating listening to Rafa describe small details and incidents from almost 20 years ago like they were yesterday. Highly underrated manager! PS: others have pointed this out before me, but my God, I've never seen Roy and Ian be this silent for an entire episode, really shows how much attention they were paying Rafa. Class episode yet again!

[@NathanSweeney]

Definitely need a part 2. That could’ve been easily an hour longer! LOVE Rafa

[@gingernut191]

Is there much Newcastle chat?

[@megatrons5187]

without Jamie

[@GarethSewell1982]

@@gingernut191none at all…

[@micktmusic]

The respect that Ian Wright and even Roy Keane show Rafa here is exactly why they’ve been two of the best professional footballers in existence. Carra likes the sound of his own voice.

[@LFCliid]

Carra worked with the fella for 6 years so obviously had a lot of questions about first hand experiences he was on the flip side of. Did you expect him to stay silent on this one??

[@hashshashiin.forsī]

​@@LFCliidapparently people expect carra to be a robot

[@Gerbera726]

​@LFCliid if he was silent people would say they probably had a falking out 🙄. He seemed like he really wanted to ask a lot of questions and he also tried to redirect rafa back to the questions.

[@1968thuglas]

Carra was like a kid interrupting their Dad. Obviously, he had a lot he wanted to get off his chest. Great guest, undisputably the best football pod.

[@kevape]

Why a top club wouldn’t want Rafa is beyond me, such pedigree and experience. Literally hypnotised the panel with his stories and knowledge

[@scouter-xn6zi]

Not saying your main point is wrong. However, we must all be aware of this ; us, as non-professionals, are bound to be impressed from a talkative professional and the depth of their knowledge. Should be easy for them to earn those impressions because it's a chaos between their knowledge (of their job) and our knowledge. Doesn't matter what we think from the outside. But leading a bunch of professionals and conquering personal interests, club opposition etc. is a totally different story. Again, I'm not saying Rafa Benitez cannot do that. Just saying that we should all be more careful when saying that the x pro "is a nobody (f*up[, failure etc.)", the y pro "is irrelevant and should go home" etc., because actually we don't have the slightest idea what it takes to run their business in the real world.

[@ephillb3139]

This is a therapy session for Jamie

[@alexbelotti1603]

Embarrassed himself again, you can see Rafa getting frustrated

[@Steglasaurus]

You can tell how much respect and admiration Jamie has for his coach Rafa, he just won't shut up!

[@Daza986]

So disrespectful

[@TheWefikus]

He won the only trophy worth remembering under Rafa, of course he does.

[@alp7891]

This is absolute GOLD for LFC fans of a certain age. Liverpool legend this man, fantastic to see him relaxed, laughing and joking whilst telling us the truth. Would take him back at Anfield in a heartbeat.

[@user-kb5py3hm2e]

No thanks. He's stuck in 2006 tactically

[@cultofpersonality962]

He’s equivalent to Klopp in my eyes. We won CL with Baros ffs

[@joedlfc9042]

One day I’d love to have him back as manager

[@I_am_nobody999]

Rafa was amazing for us millennial LFC fans. He brought us back to the top after hearing the stories from our fathers of what we used to be. Would never have him back, though. We've moved on, we're playing far, far better football now than we ever did under Rafa. Sadly I think he's finished at the top level.

[@sixxdb]

​@user-kb5py3hm2e Did you think Kenny going back was a good idea?

[@AndyKeane-v9p]

Brilliant episide.. loved the absolute attention to detail Rafa applied to the answers. Roy and Ian absolutely soaking it up. Gary and Jamie not really able to without constantly disrupting his flow...Brilliant that the only thing he forgot was talking to Gary.. This is a quality show!!

[@JD-lz2uq]

Lads, we asked and you absolutely answered. Wonderful to see this variety of guest, and Rafa is a fantastic choice. Well played.

[@dodonnell-ze9yc]

I feel like keane and wrighty were more aware of the point of having rafa on the show. We wanna hear his views on liverpool moments not his views on nevilles time at valencia.

[@thebitterend1699]

Rafa surrounded by top players of their generation and every single one of them is totally fixated on what he's saying! Great episode!

[@J194-v9h]

Keane - pure class, listening and obviously changing his opinion of Rafa

[@g-stergaming4502]

The whole show is basically Jamie interrupting with long winded questions while Rafa tries to explain why he didn't have enough money

[@thrilla72]

Lmao

[@eniola2558]

😂😂

[@Guttsdoyle]

Say poor Rafa was having flashbacks of trying to manage him.

[@adeelarmhead9469]

The man responsible for the greatest champions league match ever. 15 minutes that shook the world

[@shurst7779]

Wrong

[@thrilla72]

It wasn't the greatest match but it is an absurd story

[@jdooris83]

No way, nothing more dramatic than the Nou Camp 99 in the last 3 minutes

[@LoCoAde87]

​@jdooris83 You mean the game that Bayern were comfortable for 90 mins?!

[@Drenwickification]

The players weren’t responsible for it? What a silly statement

[@DYL2020]

Rafa was one of my favourite managers at Newcastle, despite being under Ashley’s ownership at the time he was very committed and understood the people👏

[@JudeBcoin]

He always did a good job wherever he was. Sometimes in difficult conditions

[@hartshaped]

Would have been nice to have heard him speak on that time and also some of what went on in his final season with Ashley

[@jamesross3902]

You would never know he'd managed Newcastle listening to this

[@DYL2020]

@@jamesross3902 I know mate they could of done 5 minutes on Newcastle like, even after mentioning his sack from Real “where did you go next Rafa”😒

[@Gadders72]

Keano and Wrighty absolutely first class, listening and showing enormous respect, however, Carra let himself down massively - if he watched this back he should be embarrassed.

[@ajbucko3398]

This whole thing could and should have been an hour longer. So many things in Rafas career were glossed over or missed out entirely. Still great content, the man is a legend.

[@mihirravani3513]

I thought the comments about Jamie constantly interrupting Rafa were a bit over the top, but 20 minutes in, I agree. The urge is understandable, but someone as seasoned as Carra should be able to resist and let Rafa finish his chain of thought.

[@mihirravani3513]

Genuinely what could have been one of the best episodes so far, because Rafa was a top guest, in top form - was eventually not so great to watch because of the constant interruptions especially by Carra. It took me 4 days to finish the episode because it was very off putting.

[@allezlesrouges]

Yep. Same thing happened with me

[@chawezimulenga7030]

“Give the players the belief, but have the solutions as the manager”.

[@andrewdavies7787]

More manager guests! And bring Rafa back for more haha

[@AnthonyOsiro]

Can someone tell Jamie Carragher to please stop interrupting the guest when he's in the middle of making a point, it's so annoying man, we are here to watch and hear the guest more than him!!🤬

[@kevinbanham2429]

I think he got way too excited this episode and sadly yes he did interrupt Rafa too often

[@nickhendrie8681]

Apparently Gary asked him to interrupt less but Jamie spat on his daughter in response. So he just left it. My sister knows one of the cameramen

[@starlitgaming2419]

Just be happy you've evolved to a level you can access this type of content

[@jamesmichaels4979]

He's stopping Rafa avoiding questions

[@karlmeaden6868]

​@starlitgaming2419 not quite sure it's this fellas personal evolution that's made this possible.

[@trulyunruly7783]

I was at that Juventus game, i'll never forget how good Camronesi was, very underated player

[@user-ze5bg2kr7e]

Ahhh Cameronsi the ponytail genius

[@aaronconnolly935]

Roy Keane absolute legend 🇮🇪

[@ryan4640]

Just listening to the bit about him "cracking up" how does he literally remember every game and home/away and scores is mad! He's memory must be so good.

[@DavyRo]

I've never known Roy Keane be so into listening to someone as much as this. He's clearly loving hearing Rafa's ways of coaching & soaking it up. Anyone think Rafa would do a much better job than what Southgate managed to do with the talent we have ?

[@Lmikejagger]

When you say much better job, do you mean winning the euros? I agree he would elevate England to a different level, Southgate is a bad manager in my opinion.

[@karlm641]

He would have made the right tactical changes in the two finals I think

[@Cael175]

This was absolutely amazing. Do a part 2 please - I feel like we were only getting the top scraping of everything he was going to go on to say!! Rafa came to Liverpool as I was becoming a teenager and beginning to learn how to really enjoy watching football games. Those years were the best of my life and making my first trips to Anfield to watch Rafas Liverpool play gave me memories I will never forget. Thanks for everything ❤

[@Eman14128]

i would have love to hear about the newcastle job

[@alanmayes851]

Absolutely fascinating episode, Rafa held everyone’s attention throughout. I have always admired Rafa, he comes across with such integrity and honesty.

[@ziphovichlubi3081]

I'm still in love with this manager Liverpool team. Legendary!!!❤

[@judeashton6603]

We had to wait 25mins for Rafa to say “Club” 😂 we love Rafa!

[@Christopher_J]

😂😂😂

[@colinhedges4689]

Clob

[@marygillmeister6013]

Clooooob ❤❤❤

[@eddieak6978]

Great episode as always. It crazy how Jamie has been very critical of Rafa for the fractured relationship between him and Alonso but he couldn’t do his bit to help resolve the problem back then.

[@sonorsonor5125]

You can see everyone is absolutely focused on what he is saying.. this is brilliant from Rafa.

[@segunkolawole5146]

I just love Rafa as a Manager. He has deep insight and knowledge of football. What an incredible manager that gave us that miracle of Istanbul!😊

[@Philip__325]

Rafa seems super detail oriented and analytical. I bet he can remember every detail about every game.

[@TheOverlap]

Tactical genius! 🤯

[@adamc2579]

That was fantastic. People will moan about him going on about money, but that was the reality. My fav episode so far. And good on Rafa for being so open.

[@Haha247haha]

Banger after banger after banger. I can’t imagine life without this show

[@jonathanward7320]

What’s your opinion on The rest is football with Lineker and Shearer, and Three Up front with Simon Jordan and Troy Deeney?

[@Saaarmbii]

The rest is football is great. I can't stand Talksport so will never listen to that other podcast 🙌

[@Caleb_s97]

Forcing it

[@owen1304]

Skipped the one with the American footballer only

[@dodonnell-ze9yc]

​@@jonathanward7320three up front is painful

[@FootballVideos4K]

One of the best episodes so far. Rafa was brilliant here, such recall and passion for the game

[@jasongriffiths4428]

Well that paints Xabi in a whole new light. Wanted to risk our CL qualification and sign for someone else, then this summer turned down the opportunity to manage us.

[@gavingg4761]

He doesn't care bout liverpool he's waiting for the Madrid job next season 😂

[@jasongriffiths4428]

@@gavingg4761 seems that way.

[@misterzee5736]

@@gavingg4761 man lands on the moon

[@rogercooke8384]

Never seen Roy/Ian so quiet in the company of Royalty....Rafa was one of my favorite LFC managers, could listen to him for hours...

[@lszoros]

The silence when he talks, absolute respect shown 👍🏻

[@101088Albert]

Roy was the most respectful I have ever seen . Rafa knows so much that his brain works faster than he can put his thoughts into words. Regarding Rafas time at Celta de Vigo, I am Spanish and live in Spain and I have to say that Rafa was a victim of some of the worst referee decisions that one can ever see, and I don’t mean one or two matches , Celta were thrashed with bad decisions for many many many games, it was outrageous. It was very unfair. Mucho ánimo Rafa eres un tío cojondo.

[@whodoyouratemore]

Take into consideration English is probably his 3rd language

[@maylongchar2682]

This is the most sincere Roy has been in this show. 😂

[@IanDavis_66]

Roy doesn't rate him...

[@Teddyisoffline]

Waffling ​@@IanDavis_66

[@aarshinpancholi3597]

Rafa! The most underrated manager of his generation! ❤

[@successblueprintinstitute]

Proper tactician

[@monrush]

Errr no

[@matthewjamison]

​@monrush He won 2 League Titles for Valencia up against the Madrid Galacticos & the mighty Barca of Iniesta, Deco, Xabi, Ronaldinho, Messi, Eto etc.. & a UEFA Cup, before joining Liverpool & winning the Champions League & F.A Cup on a shoestring budget. Give the man his props

[@monrush]

@@matthewjamison Messi didn't make his debut until the October after Rafa left Valencia.... Iniesta and xavi were young but part players... Madrid concentrated on the champions league and again my point stands. The Valencia team that Rafa took over had been in two champions league finals, won the copa del ray and were very competitive in the league. How did Rafa do at Inter (treble winners) and Real Madrid. In that conversation he talked about not having money about 15 times........

[@matthewjamison]

@monrush I never thought about that. But he still had to beat the Galacticos of Casillas, Ronaldo, Owen, Raul, Figo, Zidane, Beckham, Carlos, Guti, Samuel etc.. & he done it twice.

[@varinderdeol9561]

What an amazing episode. One of the best yet. Need another hr of him talking about Valencia achievements and Newcastle. Both totally overlooked. Roy and Wrighty looked so into it. Was fantastic to see