Liverpool FC Forum

by **anfieldadorer** » Wed Jun 02, 2004 7:19 am

Senior figures at La Liga champions Valencia have reacted with dismay to the news of Liverpool-bound coach Rafael Benitez's decision to quit the Spanish giants.

Francisco Roig, the leading shareholder at Valencia, has called upon the entire board to follow Benitez out of the club, believing them to be responsible for his resignation.

He said: "I am disappointed that the incompetence and poor management of the board...have meant that the most successful coach in the history of the club has been forced to leave."

Benitez, who is strongly tipped with the vacant managerial role at Liverpool, rejected Valencia's offer of an extension over a row with the club over transfer funds for next season.

"This had been possibly one of the most difficult decisions I have had to take in my sporting career," a tearful Benitez told a new conference at Valencia's Paterna training ground.

"I am not going to continue as Valencia coach. I want to see it as positive that the club has tried to keep me on, but after the events of this season which have undermined my personal morale I have decided to reconsider my situation at the club.

"With regards to my professional future I'm going to take a few days out to analyse the options that are open to me and I will choose the one that suits me best.

"I want to thank all the players, the employees at Valencia, the press and especially the fans for their support over the past three years."

An emotional Benitez was unable to complete his statement and left the press room in tears.

Meanwhile, Valencia president Jaime Orti insisted they had done everything they could have to try and keep Benitez at the club and his decision to leave had come as a major surprise.

"Valencia not only did everything possible to ensure Rafa Benitez stayed on for the remaining year of his contract but also tried to get him to extend his deal with the club," said Orti

"It was his decision, not ours. But he felt his cycle at the club had come to an end. There is no better way to end than on a high and we have to congratulate him for that.

"It took us all by surprise. I don't like the fact that he is leaving and neither will the fans, but this is now the reality."

According to Valencia director general Manuel Llorente, however, the club did all they could to keep the man who led them to a memorable league title and UEFA Cup double this season.

Llorente said: "We have done all we can for a long time for him to be happy and continue. It has not been a question about money or contract length.
"People take their own decisions. It is Benitez who has decided on his own to take this decision."

We're so sorry for doing this to you, Valencia, hiks, but..eerrr..., but, but what? can anybody think of a good excuse?

by **Santa** » Wed Jun 02, 2004 7:44 am

We're so sorry for doing this to you, Valencia

Not half as sorry as when Mista, Ayala and Aimar tagged along to Anfield

by **ckay** » Wed Jun 02, 2004 8:40 am

But to make up for stealing there best players we'll send them Biscan, Doiuf and Diao as a gesture of good will.

by **Sean** » Wed Jun 02, 2004 1:40 pm

A situation that we've never faced at Liverpool before could soon occur.....If Benitez does the business at Liverpool and is successful the chances are he'll be poached by Real or another top club and we could end up looking for another manager sooner than we think.

by **simic_ie** » Wed Jun 02, 2004 1:45 pm

If Beitez gets Liverpool back winning Champions Leagues and titles there aren't many bigger clubs he could go to... why would he leave a club where he is winning, has money to spend and no board interference?

He already expressed his un-easiness with board interference at Valencia b quitting, having said that, for a Spaniard, there is no bigger club to manage than Real and I think if this move works out we could well lose him to Real. So Sean... I guess I'm kinda agreeing with ya!!

by **7_Kewell** » Wed Jun 02, 2004 6:57 pm

with a new ground, class team..........we will be as big as Real.......just like the good old days :;):

by **Paul C** » Thu Jun 03, 2004 12:18 am

Oh I miss those days

Please bring the european respect back to Anfield Mr Benitez

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