It must have made an impact on him and his family. And one of Liverpool’s most popular managers of all time has generated doubts about his future by stating that his loved ones are still in the City.
The Mirror leads with:
Rafa Benitez fuels speculation of Liverpool return after hinting at Napoli exit next summer
“My wife and two daughters live in Liverpool. It’s the first time I haven’t had them with me, it’s not easy. [Napoli owner Aurelio] De Laurentiis knows how important my family values are to me,” he explained.
Of course he may simply return to be with his family. But, with Brendan Rodgers under increasing pressure at Liverpool after a poor start to the campaign, people are bound to link the two stories.
We think that it’s a little early to start seriously considering replacing Rodgers. He deserves a least this entire season based on his performance in the last campaign.
But, if the incumbent were to eventually walk, or be pushed, Benitez – the conqueror of Milan in 2005 – would surely be a popular choice amongst the Liverpool fans.
In his time at the club Liverpool became the team that noone wanted to play in Europe – they were so tough to beat at home or away. Domestically, too he took the team to the brink of title success with Manchester United pipping a Torres inspired Liverpool by 4 points in 2009.
Now is surely the time to show some loyalty to Rodgers. But Rafa’s return is an interesting notion.
