Danny Murphy has revealed that Mourinho lost out to Rafa Benitez to become Liverpool boss back in 2004.
I don’t really know what to think of this. Jose Mourinho is a quality manager. Regardless of what many might say about the man, he is a brilliant manager and his CV speaks for itself. He’s won two Champions Leagues, three Premier Leagues and went 9 years unbeaten at home, lasting 150 games.
On the other hand, Rafa Benitez won the Champions League with Liverpool in 2005. The man is a legend in my eyes and just about every Reds fan.
Speaking to TalkSPORT, Danny Murphy said, “When Benitez was appointed at Liverpool, it was between him and Mourinho. I know that for a fact. Mourinho wanted the Liverpool job massively.
“But Liverpool basically went with Benitez, because he’d just won the Spanish league title and UEFA Cup with Valencia and they thought that was more solid an appointment than someone who had only done it, and that time, in Portugal.
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“I know Mourinho was massively disappointed.”
One thing that makes me glad that Mourinho never managed Liverpool is the way he acted at Anfield in 2014 when Chelsea beat Liverpool 2-0. It was clear just how desperate Liverpool was to win, and perhaps this was a weakness, as Mourinho exploited this emotion and passion to frustrate the Merseysiders.
Murphy, on the other hand, would’ve liked Mourinho because Rafa didn’t fancy him.
The Englishman said, “I’m gutted too, because Benitez came in and didn’t want me. I’m just gutted it wasn’t Mourinho because he might have wanted me to stay!”
Ah, it didn’t happen and we’ll have to deal with that. Furthermore, he’s at Manchester United so there’s no redemption for him.
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