Benitez agent denies Juve talks

[Hansern]

Rafa Benitez's agent has denied he has had talks with Juventus over the Liverpool boss taking charge of the Italian giants.

Juve are looking to appoint a high-profile boss this summer to replace Alberto Zaccheroni, who took over in January until the end of the season.

The Serie A side had put former defender Ciro Ferrara in charge last summer but he was sacked after just eight months so the Juve board are looking for some stability.

Juve officials were reported to have had a meeting in Milan on Monday with Benitez's agent, Manuel Garcia Quilon.

No meeting
And although Quilon, whose agency is based in Benitez's native Spain, insists he was not even in Italy, he hinted his client may consider leaving Liverpool in the summer.

"I haven't met with Juventus, I was here in Madrid," he told Calciomercato.it.

"I reaffirm that Benitez has a four-year deal with Liverpool so he remains there. But in the coming months I don't know what will happen."

Despite this denial, reports in the Italian press claim the Juve board is working hard to lure Benitez to Turin before the start of next season.

So, a reported target for Real and Juve. Could we even get a fee for him if he leaves??

 

[Rosco]

This has been reported and denied a few times now hasn't it ?

 

[Sheik Yerbouti]

So he's off to Juve then.

 

[vantage]

[quote author=Sheik Yerbouti link=topic=39813.msg1087524#msg1087524 date=1271191285]
So he's off to Juve then.
[/quote]
More likely than Mah-drid

 

[HC]

I'll be shocked if Rafa isn't the manager at the start of next season.

 

[doctor_mac]

[quote author=vantage link=topic=39813.msg1087534#msg1087534 date=1271192432]
[quote author=Sheik Yerbouti link=topic=39813.msg1087524#msg1087524 date=1271191285]
So he's off to Juve then.
[/quote]
More likely than Mah-drid

[/quote]

It's the perfect move for him, the perfect club and the perfect league. I wouldn't be surprised if he goes and is successful.

 

[El Nino]

[quote author=doctor_mac link=topic=39813.msg1087539#msg1087539 date=1271192547]
[quote author=vantage link=topic=39813.msg1087534#msg1087534 date=1271192432]
[quote author=Sheik Yerbouti link=topic=39813.msg1087524#msg1087524 date=1271191285]
So he's off to Juve then.
[/quote]
More likely than Mah-drid

[/quote]

It's the perfect move for him, the perfect club and the perfect league. I wouldn't be surprised if he goes and is successful.
[/quote]

He's won the La Liga twice and has an amazing record in Europe. If he goes to Real Madrid there's a good chance that he'll do really well for them.

 

[vantage]

Yes but Madrid will give him no where near enough power.

 

[Rosco]

[quote author=vantage link=topic=39813.msg1087544#msg1087544 date=1271192936]
Yes but Madrid will give him no where near enough power.
[/quote]

And that's the reason why he might do well for them.

 

[spider-Neil]

[quote author=Hardcastle link=topic=39813.msg1087537#msg1087537 date=1271192512]
I'll be shocked if Rafa isn't the manager at the start of next season.
[/quote]

same here. the owners are off, why woud he leave?

 

[Sunny]

[quote author=spider-neil link=topic=39813.msg1087550#msg1087550 date=1271193182]
[quote author=Hardcastle link=topic=39813.msg1087537#msg1087537 date=1271192512]
I'll be shocked if Rafa isn't the manager at the start of next season.
[/quote]

same here. the owners are off, why woud he leave?
[/quote]

Lack of a transfer kitty...

 

[spider-Neil]

[quote author=Sunny link=topic=39813.msg1087552#msg1087552 date=1271193396]
[quote author=spider-neil link=topic=39813.msg1087550#msg1087550 date=1271193182]
[quote author=Hardcastle link=topic=39813.msg1087537#msg1087537 date=1271192512]
I'll be shocked if Rafa isn't the manager at the start of next season.
[/quote]

same here. the owners are off, why woud he leave?
[/quote]

Lack of a transfer kitty...
[/quote]

well, there is that. maddock's article was full of holes, if new owners aren't secured in the next three months the next transfer window will be exactly like the last one - sell to buy.

 

[vantage]

[quote author=Rosco link=topic=39813.msg1087546#msg1087546 date=1271193065]
[quote author=vantage link=topic=39813.msg1087544#msg1087544 date=1271192936]
Yes but Madrid will give him no where near enough power.
[/quote]

And that's the reason why he might do well for them.

[/quote]
And perversely the reason he will never take the job under the current President.

 

[Roopy]

Benitez would not last in the Serie A ... that is, if he does the whole "squad rotation" thing there.

The ultra groups like The Drughi & Bravi Ragazzi would want his balls on the chopping plate if he ever dare drop a player like Del Piero when he is fit to be playing.

Likewise at most Serie A clubs.

If Rafa wants to avoid politics between himself, fans and the board - Serie A is the last place he should be going.

 

[Roopy]

Just to prove my point ...

Cagliari have sacked Massimiliano Allegri two months after seeing him named coach of the year.

Not only manager of the year for this season ... but also last in the 2008/09 season.

:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

 

[Vlads Quiff]

[quote author=spider-neil link=topic=39813.msg1087550#msg1087550 date=1271193182]
[quote author=Hardcastle link=topic=39813.msg1087537#msg1087537 date=1271192512]
I'll be shocked if Rafa isn't the manager at the start of next season.
[/quote]

same here. the owners are off, why woud he leave?
[/quote]

Perhaps the new owners would encourage him to do so Niel.
It's just possible like.
If I were a potential new owner looking from outside, I think I might, based on these perceptions.
Stubborn, wants his own way all the time, does not listen to those around him, does not learn from his mistakes, not good with people, difficult with the last owners, not great with the press and unwise with some of his public outpourings, has had plenty of money to spend until the last year, and even then he had money but did not spend particularly wisely, team has gone backwards in terms of results, and squad depth, failed to reach the holy grail of CL qualification, despite "guarantees".
I think in any industry if someone saw that in a senior manager they would think hard as to if he was the right man to guide their new investment to a new future.
Added to that there is a tendency , unless there is an overwhelming reason not to , and I can't see it, for new brooms to sweep clean, and on an investment of £400-£500 m, even if they felt they had to pay to get shut they would be prepared to do so, in fact they would knock it off the asking price.
I think Rafa might want to save face and take another job, while it's on the table.
Good luck to him, he has only ever tried to do what he thinks is best for the club, sadly his mentality gets in the way of some fine points.


regards

 

[Richey]

Can't disagree with that Vlad.

Slightly absurdly Benitez is better off as long as the yanks are here. Always someone else for him, and more importantly the fans, to blame, not much danger of the sack and he has control of everything.

new owners would at best let him retain control and give him more money, but he'd have nowhere to hide if he wasted it again.

At worst they might see the way he is, coupled with only limited success, as an unnecessary hassle?

 

[Holle]

A fee would be nice but not having to pay compensation would be enough for me.

 

[Jürgen4PM]

Don't do it Rafa!

You're nearly shot of the 2 clowns now, so just hold on for a few more months.

 

[Jürgen4PM]

Liverpool boss Benitez given Juventus deadline

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has been told that he has until the end of next week to decide if he wants to become the new Juventus coach, according to the Daily Star.

Rumours have been persistent in Italy that Benitez is the preferred choice of Juventus president Jean Claude Blanc to take over from temporary coach Alberto Zaccheroni. Some Italian media reported that Blanc met with Benitez's agent, Manuel Garcia Quilon earlier this week, to discuss terms.

There has also been talk in Italy that Juventus are attempting to lure Benitez with the promise of a £30 million war chest, which could be topped up with the sale of veteran goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon. However, it appears that Juventus want an answer from Benitez imminently in order to plan a summer overhaul.

Benitez's Anfield future has long been the subject of speculation and the Liverpool boss has recently spoken candidly of his frustration at the lack of funds available to strengthen his squad.

Liverpool's unpopular American owners, Tom Hicks and George Gillett are actively looking for a buyer, but the process is likely to take some time and may not be enough to persuade Benitez to remain at Liverpool. The Spaniard is also rumoured to be in the running to take over as Real Madrid coach in the summer.

 

[spider-Neil]

[quote author=Vlads Quiff link=topic=39813.msg1087620#msg1087620 date=1271230202]
[quote author=spider-neil link=topic=39813.msg1087550#msg1087550 date=1271193182]
[quote author=Hardcastle link=topic=39813.msg1087537#msg1087537 date=1271192512]
I'll be shocked if Rafa isn't the manager at the start of next season.
[/quote]

same here. the owners are off, why woud he leave?
[/quote]

Perhaps the new owners would encourage him to do so Niel.
It's just possible like.
If I were a potential new owner looking from outside, I think I might, based on these perceptions.
Stubborn, wants his own way all the time, does not listen to those around him, does not learn from his mistakes, not good with people, difficult with the last owners, not great with the press and unwise with some of his public outpourings, has had plenty of money to spend until the last year, and even then he had money but did not spend particularly wisely, team has gone backwards in terms of results, and squad depth, failed to reach the holy grail of CL qualification, despite "guarantees".
I think in any industry if someone saw that in a senior manager they would think hard as to if he was the right man to guide their new investment to a new future.
Added to that there is a tendency , unless there is an overwhelming reason not to , and I can't see it, for new brooms to sweep clean, and on an investment of £400-£500 m, even if they felt they had to pay to get shut they would be prepared to do so, in fact they would knock it off the asking price.
I think Rafa might want to save face and take another job, while it's on the table.
Good luck to him, he has only ever tried to do what he thinks is best for the club, sadly his mentality gets in the way of some fine points.


regards
[/quote]

I think its more likely the new owners would give rafa one season (like the arabs did with hughes) he doesn't deliver the goods then they would fuck him. I truly believe rafa will be here next season regardless of where we finish, what we win or who replaces the yanks.

 

[Roopy]

As much as I hate Juventus, they're better off getting Lippi after the World Cup.

Him or Cesare Prandelli from Viola.

 

[LarryHagman]

If Benitez is here next year, its because we can't afford to sack him. Not because we still want him. Not because we think he'll turn it round. Simply because we can't afford to pay his bumper contract off.

Prem - 6th or 7th (probable)
Champs League - 1st round exit
Carling Cup - 2nd round exit (for us)
FA Cup - 1st round exit (for us)

Given our minimum requirement going into any season, for this manager and any other, is a good League campaign with a top 4 finish and good shows in all cups, including Champs League, what on Earth has Benitez done to earn another season? Houllier came 4th and got sacked.

 

[Jürgen4PM]

Putting to one side our steady progress under him prior to this season, maybe a UEFA cup win alone would warrant Rafa another season.

 

[Vlads Quiff]

[quote author=spider-neil link=topic=39813.msg1087666#msg1087666 date=1271237197]
[quote author=Vlads Quiff link=topic=39813.msg1087620#msg1087620 date=1271230202]
[quote author=spider-neil link=topic=39813.msg1087550#msg1087550 date=1271193182]
[quote author=Hardcastle link=topic=39813.msg1087537#msg1087537 date=1271192512]
I'll be shocked if Rafa isn't the manager at the start of next season.
[/quote]

same here. the owners are off, why woud he leave?
[/quote]

Perhaps the new owners would encourage him to do so Niel.
It's just possible like.
If I were a potential new owner looking from outside, I think I might, based on these perceptions.
Stubborn, wants his own way all the time, does not listen to those around him, does not learn from his mistakes, not good with people, difficult with the last owners, not great with the press and unwise with some of his public outpourings, has had plenty of money to spend until the last year, and even then he had money but did not spend particularly wisely, team has gone backwards in terms of results, and squad depth, failed to reach the holy grail of CL qualification, despite "guarantees".
I think in any industry if someone saw that in a senior manager they would think hard as to if he was the right man to guide their new investment to a new future.
Added to that there is a tendency , unless there is an overwhelming reason not to , and I can't see it, for new brooms to sweep clean, and on an investment of £400-£500 m, even if they felt they had to pay to get shut they would be prepared to do so, in fact they would knock it off the asking price.
I think Rafa might want to save face and take another job, while it's on the table.
Good luck to him, he has only ever tried to do what he thinks is best for the club, sadly his mentality gets in the way of some fine points.


regards
[/quote]

I think its more likely the new owners would give rafa one season (like the arabs did with hughes) he doesn't deliver the goods then they would fuck him. I truly believe rafa will be here next season regardless of where we finish, what we win or who replaces the yanks.
[/quote]

Hughes had only just started the job and was a few weeks into the new season.

regards

 

[spider-Neil]

[quote author=LarryHagman link=topic=39813.msg1087694#msg1087694 date=1271241445]

If Benitez is here next year, its because we can't afford to sack him. Not because we still want him. Not because we think he'll turn it round. Simply because we can't afford to pay his bumper contract off.

Prem - 6th or 7th (probable)
Champs League - 1st round exit
Carling Cup - 2nd round exit (for us)
FA Cup - 1st round exit (for us)

Given our minimum requirement going into any season, for this manager and any other, is a good League campaign with a top 4 finish and good shows in all cups, including Champs League, what on Earth has Benitez done to earn another season? Houllier came 4th and got sacked.


[/quote]

are you serious? what has rather done to deserve another season?

with the except of this disaster of a season
* CL football every season (we came 5th but I think we all know rafa was focued on the CL final)
* qualification from the group stages every season (how long to it take arsenal to do that on a regular basis?)
* TWO CL finals in 3 years (that's fucking amazing given our squad/wage bill)
* winning the CL and FAC
* signing a world class spine
* a genuine league challenge

rafa DESERVES another season. rafa fucks up next season anyone who wants rid will get no arguement from me but I want to see if he can put it right.

 

[LarryHagman]

Keep that post for the end of next season Neil, you'll be needing it.

The 'genuine League challenge' bit was the funniest.

 

[spider-Neil]

[quote author=LarryHagman link=topic=39813.msg1087702#msg1087702 date=1271242584]

Keep that post for the end of next season Neil, you'll be needing it.

The 'genuine League challenge' bit was the funniest.

[/quote]

we were top at christmas and we finished 4 points off the top on the final day. manu went on a record breaking clean sheet run to keep us out. if that's isn't a genuine challenge I don't what is.
I wont need to defend rafa next season, he'll either have pushed us back in a CL position (hopefully a league challenge but I can't see it with our current resources) or he'll have failed again. keeping rafa at the end of next season will be a lot more clear cut.

 

[LarryHagman]

[quote author=spider-neil link=topic=39813.msg1087708#msg1087708 date=1271243533]
[quote author=LarryHagman link=topic=39813.msg1087702#msg1087702 date=1271242584]

Keep that post for the end of next season Neil, you'll be needing it.

The 'genuine League challenge' bit was the funniest.

[/quote]

we were top at christmas and we finished 4 points off the top on the final day. manu went on a record breaking clean sheet run to keep us out. if that's isn't a genuine challenge I don't what is.
[/quote]

Half a challenge in 6 seasons, guess you're happy with that Neil.

I reckon we average 8 losses a season under Benitez, and finish 4th. So, if this season is a blip, so was last.

Benitez is at the same point Houllier was 6 years ago. 1 decent League campaign achieved and some cups won. Houllier at least left us the chance to compete in, and win, the CL.

So, why did we sack Houllier?

Was it because he only mustered 1 decent Prem season in 6?

Was it because he had blatant favourites that he'd play irrespective of their form, or lack of?

Was it because he was extremely wasteful with the transfer funds we had?

Was it because he clearly favoured European kudos over domestic?

Was it becuase he started well, then clearly lost his way, and the dressing room?

Was it because the brand of football he employed would sedate a T-Rex?

Oh, hang on.

 

[Vlads Quiff]

[quote author=spider-neil link=topic=39813.msg1087699#msg1087699 date=1271242281]
[quote author=LarryHagman link=topic=39813.msg1087694#msg1087694 date=1271241445]

If Benitez is here next year, its because we can't afford to sack him. Not because we still want him. Not because we think he'll turn it round. Simply because we can't afford to pay his bumper contract off.

Prem - 6th or 7th (probable)
Champs League - 1st round exit
Carling Cup - 2nd round exit (for us)
FA Cup - 1st round exit (for us)

Given our minimum requirement going into any season, for this manager and any other, is a good League campaign with a top 4 finish and good shows in all cups, including Champs League, what on Earth has Benitez done to earn another season? Houllier came 4th and got sacked.


[/quote]

are you serious? what has rather done to deserve another season?

with the except of this disaster of a season
* CL football every season (we came 5th but I think we all know rafa was focued on the CL final)
* qualification from the group stages every season (how long to it take arsenal to do that on a regular basis?)
* TWO CL finals in 3 years (that's fucking amazing given our squad/wage bill)
* winning the CL and FAC
* signing a world class spine
* a genuine league challenge

rafa DESERVES another season. rafa fucks up next season anyone who wants rid will get no arguement from me but I want to see if he can put it right.

[/quote]

I am not sure "deserves" comes into it.
Had we just be plain unlucky this season and it was stuff beyond our control like the beach-ball, as an extreme example, that were the main factors, and we missed out by a couple of points that is one thing and I might agree. We are likely to finish seventh, so it cuts deeper than that though Neil, right through to incompetence, like leaving us with one capable striker, and gambling on a crocked player to replace a key one.

I think the season that he deserved was this season.

I would not have been sorry to see him go two years ago, and I am hardly and extremist.

regards