Rafael Benitez was one of Liverpool’s best managers in recent years. Between 2004 and 2010, the Reds saw their rise and fall from grace. In 2005, we saw the miracle of Istanbul when Steven Gerrard inspired a Benitez-managed Liverpool to clinch the UEFA Champions League trophy on penalties. Benitez brought in some of the best players who ever wore a red jersey including Xabi Alonso, Javier Mascherano and Fernando Torres. It was Torres who partnered up with Gerrard and became the most fearsome duo in the Barclays Premier League. By the time Benitez left, Liverpool was in a state of decline and the rest is history. Benitez has not forgotten his glory years at Anfield and is longing for a return ‘home’. TalkSport reports that he still has family residing in England.
According to the Metro, Benitez has rejected an extension to his contract with Italian Seria A side Napoli. The Spaniard is reportedly hoping for a second gig with Liverpool. Times have changed since he left Merseyside. After a few shaky and uncertain times with Roy Hodgson and Kenny Dalglish, Brendan Rodgers has been able to bring back some stability to the Reds. Last season, Rodgers’ men came second to Manchester City in the Premier League thanks to some delightful scoring from former striker Luis Suarez. In fact, the Reds were very close to winning the league at one point last season.
Had Benitez expressed his wishes to the Liverpool hierarchy prior to the January transfer window, they may have considered bringing him back. This is because Liverpool was going through a rough patch and Rodgers had made poor decisions in the transfer market with the funds received from the reported £75 million sale of Luis Suarez to Barcelona.
With Liverpool returning to stability recently despite European disappointments, it seems like Rodgers has been given a second chance and his future at Anfield is safe at the moment. However, if Rodgers is unable to guide Liverpool to a top-four finish this season, then questions may be asked. If that does happen, then Benitez would have a much better chance to return to Liverpool. If not, manager-less Newcastle United would be ideal for Benitez if he ends up returning to England.