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Fernando Morientes was part of the Liverpool team that won the 2005
UEFA Super Cup and the 2006 FA Cup, however, he only managed 12
goals in 61 appearances for Liverpool, before Rafa Benitez
transferred the Spaniard back to his homeland to play for
Valencia.
However, Morientes bears no ill feeling towards his former manager,
and is quick to praise his fellow Spaniard. The Olympique de
Marseille forward believes he will not only continue as Liverpool
manager, but will continue to be linked to several high profile
managerial jobs throughout the continent.
“He [Benitez] will always be linked with big manager jobs,”
Morientes told Goal.com UK.
“Liverpool fans should be pleased that he is being linked with jobs
all over Europe. That means that he has a very good reputation. The
staff and players all want success and even though it is difficult
for him, he will say that he is the right man for the job.
"When Gerrard and Torres come back, Liverpool will be fine again.
Liverpool is a historic team with a great tradition.”
Star men| Return of Gerrard and Torres
will make Reds tick
I ask Morientes how much he appreciates the support Benitez and
his team mates gave him during his spell at Liverpool.
He retorts by saying Benitez always plans ahead meticulously and
has the team's best interests at heart. Morientes insists the
Liverpool manager always pushed him to give to the Liverpool cause
his very all.
He added: “I heard many negative comments towards me when I was at
Liverpool, but Mr Benitez and his staff gave me all the support I
needed.
“They know what I was like in training and how hard I worked. That
gave me a lot of confidence. I expected to deliver much more for
him than I did. My own expectations are high and when you don’t
reach that level you feel down. I have been a footballer for many
years and I know how it all works. You don't turn into a bad player
overnight; some times things just don’t go according to
plan.”
Despite having his Liverpool dreams dashed when he was sold on to
Valencia, Morientes says he does not regret a single moment,
singling out Liverpool’s supportive fans for giving him memories
that he will never forget.
No regrets| Spaniard reflects fondly on his time
at Anfield
“I don’t regret coming to Liverpool. When I left Madrid I didn't
just come to any club; I came to a club with illustrious
history.
He continued: “Everyone knows about Liverpool supporters. It was
great to play in Liverpool. The fans appreciate good football and
even if you are playing for the opposition, and you play fair play
well, they will also be appreciated. You don’t often see that in
football. The fans are very special. But the fans here in Marseille
are also very nice.
“I also know a lot about Hillsborough from my time there and you
can never feel the pain of those people who lost family and friends
during the tragedy, your heart just goes out to them.”