Rafa Benitez has sent a strong warning to new Liverpool boss Arne Slot as he recalled his infamous “facts” press conference.
Benitez worked at Anfield between 2004 & 2010
Warned Slot to be wary of the media
Advised him to soak in the culture of the city
As Slot steps into the role of Liverpool manager, he does so with the stern counsel of former boss Benitez echoing in his ears. His appointment follows the departure of Jurgen Klopp and he will take over from June 1st, subject to a work permit, on a reported three-year deal.
Before Slot began his tenure at Anfield, Benitez chose to make him aware of some “facts” that would help him flourish on Merseyside. The Spaniard emphasised the importance of understanding the unique pressures and expectations that come with managing Liverpool and the art of dealing with the media – which can sometimes be “overwhelming”.
“No matter what you think you know, you have to learn quickly what it means to be the Liverpool manager. Every game you are expected to win. Then, if you are winning and playing well, there is an expectation that you will win by three goals.”
Benitez advised Slot to stay informed about what pundits are saying, as these topics will inevitably surface in press conferences while underscoring the importance of preparation and communication.
“Another big aspect of the job is dealing with the media,” he added. “You cannot ignore what is said or written about Liverpool, or what they call ‘the noise’. It is impossible. Sometimes you need to know what the pundits are saying because you will be asked about it in the press conferences. It is better to be educated to prepare. The difficulty now is the power of social media with so many people who do not have a clue about football giving misinformation. That is more of a complication and you must separate the views of the majority of supporters from the few who shout loud on social media.
“That means communication is massive, as is connecting with the true supporters. There are many people at a football club with different titles, and many may think they are the ‘boss’. But there is only one person whose face is always in front of the fans once, twice or three times a week in press conferences, before and after the game. Coping with that pressure is massive and so is sending the right message. I worked hard to improve my English before I moved to the country, listening to Beatles songs! Everyone always talks about my famous “facts” press conference. The fact is I was right and everyone knew it then and still knows it now!”
In conclusion, Benitez offered his support for Slot and urged the Dutch tactician to spend time learning about the culture of the city which will help him get endeared to the club faithful.
“Liverpool have seen qualities in Arne that they like. My biggest advice to him or to any manager is he must be himself while understanding the culture of the club and the city he is coming to work,” Benitez advised.
Benitez, who led Liverpool to their fifth European Cup in 2005, had assembled one of the strongest teams in Anfield history in 2009. His squad boasted the talents of Xabi Alonso, Javier Mascherano, Fernando Torres, and a prime Steven Gerrard, and Liverpool seemed poised to finally challenge the dominance of Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United.
The tension between Benitez and Ferguson reached a boiling point when Ferguson criticised the congested fixture schedule. Benitez, irked by Ferguson’s remarks, decided to publicly address the issue. In a press conference that has since become legendary, he laid out a series of ‘facts’ aimed at Ferguson and the Premier League’s scheduling.
“I was surprised by what has been said, but maybe they [Manchester United] are nervous because we are at the top of the table,” said Benitez.
“But I want to talk about facts. I want to be clear, I do not want to play mind games too early, although they seem to want to start. But I have seen some facts. On 1 November, they played Hull and Mr Ferguson had a two-match touchline ban and a £10,000 fine after confronting Mike Dean, the referee, for improper conduct. We started the Respect campaign, and that was when [Javier] Mascherano was sent off [last season] at Old Trafford. The referee [Steve Bennett] was the referee when they played against Wigan – he could not see the handball against Wigan by Rio Ferdinand, he did not give a penalty. They won the game and they won the title in this game. I think it will be the same referee who will be in charge of their game in hand this season [against Wigan].”
The moment was polarising, with some seeing it as a necessary stand against perceived bias, while others viewed it as a distraction that cost Liverpool their focus in the title race.
