Former Liverpool captain and Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard shockingly claimed that he did not share a warm relationship with former Liverpool and current Real Madrid manager Rafael Benitez and the Spaniard has hit back, claiming the 35-year-old is “wrong”.
Rafael Benitez has insisted that Steven Gerrard’s claim that the Real Madrid manager never liked him are simply aimed at selling his autobiography.
Gerrard claimed in his book that there is “no bond” between himself and the Spaniard, having endured a frosty relationship with Benitez during his time in charge at Anfield.
Benitez’s decision to use nicknames for other players but refer to the England international simply as “Gerrard” also riled the LA Galaxy midfielder, but the Real coach has now hit back, claiming simply that the 35-year-old is “wrong”.
“Out of the respect that I have for Stevie and for the value and appreciation I have for him, and for Liverpool and the supporters, I think it’s best to just let it pass,” he said on Spanish television.
“He has brought out a book and now I’m the Real Madrid manager, that sells.”
The duo enjoyed a Champions League trophy together as the captain Steven Gerrard inspired Liverpool for a historic comeback against AC Milan in the 2005 Champion League comeback.
During his five-year stay at Liverpool, Benitez also won an FA Cup which was another inspiration from Stevie G and it was thought that the duo share amazing mutual respect for each other.