Rafa Benitez resigned as Valencia coach on Tuesday just weeks
after leading them to a first ever domestic and European double and
amid furious media speculation that he is poised to join
Liverpool.
'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.'
Spanish media reported that the 44-year-old, who speaks English,
had been offered a five-year deal by premier league club Liverpool
who sacked French coach Gerard Houllier last month after six years
at the helm.
Liverpool, though, said they would not be making an immediate
announcement about the appointment of a new coach.
'There will be an announcement about our new manager in two weeks,
further to which I do not wish to comment on speculation,'
Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry told the club's website.
Benitez has steered Valencia to two Spanish titles and the UEFA Cup
in his three seasons since joining the club from second division
Tenerife.
Valencia president Jaime Orti insisted the club had done all it
could to persuade Benitez to remain with the Primera Liga champions
and that the coach's decision to leave had come as a shock.
'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,' he said.
'It was his decision, not ours,' said Orti. '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.'
Benitez is known to have had his differences with the board and in
particular with the club's sporting director Jesus Garcia
Pitarch.
The two clashed at the start of the season over the control of
possible new signings and Benitez expressed his dissatisfaction
over the club's failure to reinforce the squad with players he had
recommended.
In-fighting on the club's board and financial problems may also
have influenced his decision to quit.
'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,' said Benitez, who was unable to complete his statement and
left the press room in tears without making any further
comments.
Midfielder David Albelda, who is preparing for Euro 2004 with the
Spanish national squad, said Benitez would be remembered at the
club for his achievements but that the team would look to continue
its success without him.
'He will go down in history for the trophies he has brought to the
club and for the work he has done,' he said. 'I knew this might
happen but now the players should use the arrival of a new coach as
a stimulus. Sometimes a change of coach can be a good thing.'
pool next...
