Rafael Benitez refuses to rule out Liverpool return

By Giuseppe Labellarte, Reporter | 29 September 2017

Former Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez refuses to rule out a potential return to Anfield in the future but insists that he is happy at Newcastle United.

Former Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has refused to rule out a potential return to Anfield in the future.

The Spaniard was in charge of the Reds between 2004 and 2010, leading the club to a Champions League trophy, an FA Cup, a Community Shield and a UEFA Super Cup.

Now at Newcastle United, Benitez will welcome his former side at St James' Park on Sunday as the two clubs go head to head in the Premier League.

While not seeking the Liverpool job, Benitez looked back fondly on his time in Merseyside and wondered whether a second spell at the club is possible.

The 57-year-old is quoted by The Mirror as saying: "I didn't get too many chances to go back. But that is football, you never know.

"Have I come close? The job is quite difficult. I have been in Italy or Madrid or moving around. It has to be the right time. When you have problems and are available, they might be doing well.

"I am getting older but for a manager still a young manager. I don't want to say (I will go back). I am really pleased here. I am happy here. And I wish Jurgen Klopp a lot of success.

"But in the future... I want to be successful here. And what happens in the future you never know. We won four trophies, semi finals too in that short period. If you see the money we spent, and the money they've spent in the past years, the fans appreciate that."

Newcastle can move above Liverpool in the Premier League table if they can emerge victorious in the North-East at the weekend.