Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard has revealed that Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez use to provoke him ahead of big games during his days as manager of the Reds.
Under the leadership of Benitez as manager and Gerrard as captain, the Merseyside club won four trophies, most notably the 2005 Champions League where they came back from 3-0 at half time to defeat AC Milan on penalties in the final.
Whilst discussing Benitez’s management style, Gerrard said, “It’s a difficult one to explain – sometimes I’ve spoken about Rafa and mentioned the word ‘cold’ [to describe Benitez].
“And some people take that the wrong way and think you’ve fallen out with him and that you don’t get on with him. I think it’s just he’s very different in terms of style to say a Brendan Rodgers or Gerard Houllier.
“He’d maybe have a little bit of a pop at me or be a little critical at the right times where he knew he’d get a reaction from me going into big games.”
One of the things which Liverpool failed to do under Benitez was win the Premier League and this led to Gerrard almost leaving the club when he turned down a £100,000-per-week contract at the club. He reportedly wanted to join Chelsea, who had a £32 million bid turned down.
