Former Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has hit back at Steven Gerrard’s claims that the pair’s relationship was cold and impersonal during their time at Anfield.
Gerrard made the claims in his new autobiography, serialised by the Daily Mail, in which he said that there was a “frostiness” between the two and complained that he didn’t “think Rafa liked me as a person” as there was “no bond between us”.
Now though, Benitez, in charge of Real Madrid, has responded to the allegations and believes the former England international has made the comments to boost sales of his book.
According to the Guardian, Benitez told Spanish TV:
“I have read the quotes and I believe he 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 has brought out a book and now I’m the Real Madrid manager, that sells.”
This mini war of words between the two is somewhat surprising given the success Gerrard and Benitez enjoyed together, the most notable being the 2005 Champions League triumph against AC Milan.
But Gerrard, now playing his trade in the MLS for LA Galaxy, has already hit out at Benitez, calling him a “colder man” than the likes of Brendan Rodgers and Gerard Houllier and insisted their relationship was “emotionless and distant”.
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