Yossi Benayoun admits the ice-cool approach of Liverpool boss
Rafa Benitez has taken some getting used to.
Over the past week the ex-West Ham midfielder has delivered the
priceless Euro winner in Spain and the clinching second goal
against the Black Cats.
But he admitted: “After we won in Madrid last week, it was
madness in our changing rooms.
“I had to take my mobile phone into the toilets to call my
family. It was the only way I could make myself heard. Everyone was
screaming and shouting — except the manager, of course.
“He was his usual calm self and didn’t even congratulate us or
shake hands, never mind join in all the hugs and backslapping. But
that’s just how he is — and I am beginning to understand why.
“He is very professional and wants us to be the same all the
time. He won’t stand for any of us getting carried away or feeling
we are superior to anyone else.
“He didn’t say a word to me about the goal. That’s how it is
with him.
“He likes keeping you on your toes. He only announced the team
two hours before kick-off.”
Benayoun’s Anfield career has really taken off since the turn of
the year, weeks after he accepted he may have to move on if
first-team openings did not come his way.
He added: “With the number of top players we have, you accept
you won’t always be playing and you have to give it everything when
your chance comes. That’s fine with me.
“You can score a very famous goal, an absolutely crucial one,
and it will be forgotten the following day as far as the manager is
concerned.
“He only thinks of the next challenge and that is how it should
be. It has taught me you can’t celebrate too long or rest on your
laurels.
“For me, my goal in Spain will only be important if we go all
the way and win the Champions League. Otherwise, it will count for
nothing.”