rafa

Talking exclusively to LFC Weekly magazine, Johnson said: "It is all football with Rafa, but that's not a bad thing. "

"But when I was in the semis, playing against Nadal, I said maybe if I beat Rafa, I can win the tournament , " he said.

"Rafa has enough to deal with with what he's got, " he said as he arrived at Spain's training camp.

Rafa Benitez today warned Everton that Fernando Torres is ready to renew his record of scoring in Merseyside derbies on Sunday.

But Rafa kept with me for the next game against Sunderland and from then on it got better and better.

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez had one of his top scouts in Bari on Wednesday night to see Italy beat Scotland.

Chelsea have also made enquiries but Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez did not want to sell Alonso to one of his Premier League rivals.

Rafa Benitez has always been a fan of Silva but the financial straightjacket he works in at Anfield is likely to prohibit any deal.

"Rafa came to see me and said to me he didn't know where all that rubbish came from, " Redknapp said.

But Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is understood to be prepared to allow Weijl to leave on loan in order to build first-team experience.

"It was sad to see Rafa go. I would be lying if I said otherwise or if I said I wasn't close to him, " he said.

Kop legend Kenny Dalglish believes Rafa Benitez is finding the right formula to turn Liverpool into a formidable force away from home.

Albert Riera is ready to stay at Liverpool now Rafa Benitez has left the club.

Reds manager Rafa Benitez is adamant that Mascherano will not depart the side as he sees the 25-year-old as a vital component of his squad.

If Dirk could follow Rafa when he becomes the next coach of Juventus? I don't know. I cannot answer these questions now.

Rafa [Benitez] has been interested in my state, of course, because we have had a difficult month but he never pushed for me to leave.

Rafa Benitez's uncertain Liverpool future is about to be further complicated by an approach from Inter Milan.

Your post, although perhaps a bit more positive in a few places than my own views, capture my emotions about Rafa.

"I started on the right but Rafa told me to move around and try and get in between the lines, " he said.

Yes, it seems like Rafa has brought together a group of winners, players with a real desire to win trophies ?

Rafa wants me to become a defensive midfielder and to understand the role and the positional side of things.

Q. You were mentioned yesterday by both Rafa and by Roger as someone who could really challenge them at the top of the rankings.

Rafa Benitez spoke to radio journalists as part of the build-up to today's Barclays Premier League clash with Stoke City at Anfield.

That has alerted Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez (pictured) who is now ready to try and nip in and beat his Premiership rivals to the punch.

Of course. When I arrived, Rafa Benitez told me I needed to adapt to the English style and there was no hurry because my chance would come.

Rafa Benitez admits it will now be "very difficult" for his side to finish in the top four following a goalless draw with Fulham on Sunday.

Rafa Benitez has explained the reason he started just one of his new signings on the opening day of the season.

I won the gold not just for me but for all the Liverpool fans, my teammates who were here working hard, and for Rafa as well.

Birmingham manager Alex McLeish backed Rafa Benitez to hoist Liverpool back up the league table once all his star names are back fit.

Rafa said, 'We are happy with you and you are not for sale. ' I will go back to Liverpool in July for pre-season training, " said Hyypia. "

Alonso has had a rocky relationship with manager, Rafa Benitez ever since the gaffer persistently went after Gareth Barry last summer.

Rafa showed he was ready for promotion if needed by appearing in every round bar the final, which he missed with a hamstring injury.

Rafa Benitez today revealed how Glen Johnson will be out of action for at least a month.

Rafa is a very good manager and every day he is looking at my game and trying to help me improve.

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is trying to cool the hype building around 17 year-old striker Craig Lindfield.

It was a difficult decision to bring Agger back into the squad because he wasn't fit enough to start at Chelsea, " said Rafa. "

"Everyone knows Rafa had a lot of confidence in me, so last season was different, " he said.

Rafa's going to prove just why he is so well respected in the game, and he's going to turn this situation around.

I would like to say thank you to Rafa, all my teammates and the supporters. I couldn't be happier at Liverpool.

Holding a cup of coffee in his right hand, Rafa saluted the Sky Sports journalists outside his home in Merseyside today.

Rafa Benitez is hopeful of having Daniel Agger available within 'a few weeks' despite the Danish international requiring back surgery.

Despite the disappointment of such a late defeat Rafa still insists the season could end in glory.

His career on Merseyside appears to have come to an end, with Rafa Benitez now well-stocked in the keeping department.

Perhaps the most startling development since Rafa's first season is that of the strength of our rivals.

Rafa has intimated that the likes of Kelly and Mikel San Jose will get a chance in pre-season following Sami Hyypia's departure.

Rafa Benitez today revealed how four of his injured stars could be fit for Man City after flying to Serbia for 'special treatment'.

Rafa Benitez admits it could be too much of a risk to select Fernando Torres against Barnsley on Saturday.

Rafa Benitez believes Robbie Keane could do with a slice of luck to help him get more goals.

Rafa Benitez's agent has played down reports his client is being lined up to replace Ciro Ferrara as Juventus coach.

By Friday, some people were thinking I had the chance of beating Rafa at the French, when last month it would probably just have been me!

"It will be a difficult game as it is always in the Barclays Premier League, " added Rafa.

Rafa has told me to be patient because I have been out for a long time. Obviously I am not 100 per cent fit, and that will take time.

Fowler had a clutch of clubs on his trail after he was released by Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez at the end of last season.

Rafa Benitez will attempt to breathe life into Liverpool's crumbling season by making a move for Patrick Vieira.

While someone like Rafa Benitez is better in setting out his game strategies but not quite as adapt in changing them.

"I have been checking the numbers from where we were last season and you can see that we were much better away from home, " said Rafa.

Rafa fell to the ground, having accomplished one of the greatest achievements in the sport.

When Gerard and I were here, and I'm sure Rafa has noticed this too, it was clear that Jamie watches everything football-wise.

Rafa off the baseline was fantastic and there was not much I could really do.

Rafa Benitez today urged his players to forget all about their Sunderland defeat - telling them the next six days can change everything.

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has aimed a swipe back at Jermaine Pennant following the Englishman's criticism of his methods.

Despite the disappointment of such a late defeat Rafa still insists the season could endin glory.

Rafa Benitez believes Glen Johnson now has the quality and experience to be a star player at a top four club.

And this book shatters a big myth: he did not force Mr Nadal to play left-handed; "Rafa" is ambidextrous.

Rafa Benitez believes captaining England next week will bring the best out of Steven Gerrard.

Former Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is being lined up for a return to Valencia.

Reds boss Rafa Benitez has been linked with the Croatia international as he looks to bolster his squad for next season.

Alberto Aquilani could be deployed in a more advanced role in future, Rafa Benitez has revealed.

Rafa Benitez insists the Premiership is now his number one priority despite the battle with PSV to top Champions League Group C.

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is looking at Hamburg's Dutch midfielder Eljero Elia to help solve his Anfield crisis.

Rafa Benitez today spoke of his pleasure after Liverpool fan Michael Shields was released from prison.

Rafa Benitez believes Maxi Rodriguez can help Liverpool return to the free-scoring form of last season.

Rafa Benitez knows it takes time for a player to settle in a new country. Babel's best times are yet to come.

Rafa has never lost this tournament while healthy, not even to a guy who would be on a 45-match winning streak.

Rafa Benitez has again reiterated his desire to return to management in the Premier League, insisting he is 'ready and waiting'.

Part of Rafa Benitez's problem in my opinion is that when he rests key players, the ones that have come in are not good enough.

Singaporecame to a standstill today when Rafa's Reds took advantage of some wellearned rest by taking a cruise down the Singapore River.

Rafa Benitez has played down speculation suggesting Liverpool are interested in bringing Michael Owen back to Merseyside.

"Rafa was admitted to hospital last night after suffering problems with a kidney stone, " a club spokesman said.

Much of the press attention has centred on Rafa Benitez during our recent dip - something the Argentina skipper thinks is unfair.

Rafa Benitez believes Liverpool now have the perfect platform to go on a long unbeaten run.

That would have been an amazing accomplishment, to beat Rafa in the finals of the French Open.

Madrid have been repeatedly linked with the Liverpool midfielder despite Rafa Benitez insisting that he is not for sale.

"Rafa got a knock against Arsenal, but hopefully he'll train today, " the boss told reporters at Friday's pre-match press conference.

Rafa Benitez believes Liverpool's defenders can bolster the Reds' attacking power and help reduce the number of home draws this season.

Rafa Benitez has been very active in the transfer market and has been linked with a move for Manchester United left-back Gabriel Heinze.

But you never know. Rafa always has a game plan, so I will have to wait and see if I'm in the team.

Forthree and a half years I've been working with Rafa and I can now say I'm a better player and a better person from when I arrived here.

Rafa Benitez spoke of his disappointment after Liverpool crashed to a 3-0 defeat to Espanyol in Spain on Sunday evening.

Reserve midfielder Damien Plessis could leave Liverpool during the transfer window, Rafa Benitez has revealed.

Manager Rafa Benitez has since accepted an apology but Babel's future at Anfield remains far from certain.

However, buoyed by what he saw last term, Rush is confident Rafa Benitez's charges can go one better this time around.

Rafa Benitez has challenged Javier Mascherano to build on his derby day glory and become a regular goalscorer for Liverpool.

The first part was identifying a number of our existing star players whom Rafa wanted to sign on long-term contracts.

The fact that Rafa has faith in me has given me a lot of confidence.

Thank you for fighting for us Rafa. You deserved so much better.

"My aim is just to become a better player and win trophies and I hope Rafa can help me do that, " Agger said at the time.

Roy Hodgson has played down Rafa Benitez's return to Merseyside, amid reports he could head back to Liverpool.

During the defeat by Wolves, Dalglish's name was chanted on four occasions, while one banner on the Kop simply read 'Come home Rafa! '

I can go and talk to him and he can explain to him why I'm left out and if I'm playing well. Rafa keeps his cards to his chest.

Rafa Benitez believes new signing Sotirios Kyrgiakos can offer Liverpool 'something different' - in both defence and attack.

Rafa Benitez today called for cool heads among his players as prepare for a season-defining game.

Recently, I said I didn't care either way if Rafa stayed or went.

Rafa Benitez today challenged his squad players to make a name for themselves in the absence of several injured stars.

Pepe Reina has spoken of his '100 per cent' confidence that Rafa Benitez will turn Liverpool's season around.

April brings us back to Rafa's favourite surface and another three straight titles - Monte Carlo, Barcelona and Rome.

When Liverpool were informed, I spoke on numerous occasions with the new manager, Rafa Benitez, who asked me how I intended to respond.

This article wouldn't be complete without an analysis of Rafa's performance this season, and the manager should not be beyond reproach.

Liverpool's American owners want a gagging order written into Rafa Benitez's new contract, it has been revealed.

Rafa this is probably your toughest season at Liverpool, don't you think?

Rafa Benitez today backed his players to haul themselves back into the title race by beating Manchester United on Sunday.

There's no question that Roger and Rafa Nadal are two of the best ever. Their results bear that out.

YNWA Rafa, thank you for everything you have done. The CL run in 2005 gave me some of the best nights of my life.

The fact that Rafa has faith in me has given me a lot of confidence. Every day he is looking at my game and helping me develop.

Rafa Benitez believes Liverpool can reach the Champions League final in Athens even if Chelsea score a crucial away goal on Tuesday night.

Journalist: Rafa, we know you're disappointed by the weekend's performance and result against Tottenham.

Rafa Benitez today revealed how completing a decade in the Anfield hot seat would make him 'the happiest manager in the world'.

Rafa Benitez today admitted he was 'really pleased' after Steven Gerrard was found not guilty of affray at Liverpool Crown Court.

Arbeloa has established himself as an integral component in Rafa Benitez's squad since arriving at Anfield in January 2007.

That'll pleased Rafa and his coaching staff. Given Liverpool's recent run of good form, do you expect them to come through the tie?

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is still mulling over whether to accept Brum's offer for Babel, 23, who wants regular first team football.

Rafa Benitez believes Steven Gerrard can still improve in his role behind Fernando Torres despite plundering 24 goals this term.

The Reds No. 5 has been sidelined since pre-season with a back problem, but his return to fitness has given Rafa Benitez a major boost.

Kuyt believes Rafa Benitez's decision to allow the Liverpool players to mature together has helped aid the Reds' progression.

Just like when Rafa Benitez and Gerard Houllier came in, everyone got a lift.

The protests began in the Sunni-dominated Anbar province after the army arrested the bodyguards of Sunni Finance Minister Rafa al-Issawi.

Nabil El Zhar is determined to prove his worth to Rafa Benitez and continue to 'live the dream' at Anfield.

I felt like my chances were there as much at the French Open against Rafa.

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez says there's no doubting Gabriel Paletta's commitment, despite his lack of English.

George Gillett and Tom Hicks are keen but Rafa Benitez, the Liverpool manager, is less enthusiastic and any deal is unlikely.

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has defended his much-maligned policy of using zonal marking when defending set-pieces.

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has been charged with improper conduct by the Football Association.

For the fifth time since 2004, a men's player won three majors in a campaign -- but it wasn't Rafa or Roger.

Martin Skrtel and Fabio Aurelio could be back on the pitch in the coming weeks, Rafa Benitez has revealed.

The last line of Rafa's statement. . . just destroyed me.

If Rafa isn't able to bring in new players, that may explain why he has resisted bids from Birmingham and other clubs to sell Ryan Babel.

"Rafa" wants Fernando Torres to follow him at Juve. Therefore, he has asked the Bianconeri to sign the prolific Spanish striker.

Rafa studies everything on the table and directs the team from the bench like a orchestra conductor.

Rafa Benitez has held talks with Liverpool's managing director and insists the club are on sound financial footing.

But despite Mourinho's good intentions, the Blues chief could not resist having a dig at Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez earlier this week.

We came close and I agree with those who say we should have won it but for the negative tactics Rafa employed at times.

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has been checking on Wolves' versatile defender Richard Stearman, writes The Mirror.

All managers have different ways of working. Rafa is totally different from Diego Maradona and the other managers I've had.

"Ispoke to Rafa a few months ago and things have progressed from there, " said Dalglish.

Rafa Benitez has lauded Pepe Reina as the Premier League' s best as his countryman closes in on another Anfield landmark.

Rafa Benitez has confirmed Momo Sissoko could leave Liverpool in the January transfer window.

Rafa Benitez has explained his reasons for sitting cross-legged during Tuesday's penalty shoot-out.

RAFA BENITEZ admitted Liverpool cut their own throats as his bid for Champions League glory fell agonisingly short.

However, manager Rafa Benitez will face an anxious wait to discover if this optimism is justified.

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has revealed he is working hard to sign new players in January to aid the Reds' top-four bid.

"Rafa concentrates on the professional side of things, " said Torres.

Yesterday Benitez's former director of sport at Valencia, Amedeo Carboni, revealed that Rafa is considering the Juventus job.

Chelsea ahead of Liverpool and Man Utd for Barcelona's Alcantara brothers , Thiago and Rafa.

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has confirmed he hopes to offload fringe players in January.

If Rafa adds maybe three players, left and right and possibly a striker, Liverpool can go one better.

Rafa Benitez is preparing to raid Real Madrid this summer to snap up battling midfielder Guti.

Rafa is not stupid and I am not a magician.

People felt he couldn't play as a striker and I had Rafa.

Rafa Benitez has told his players to forget about their historic triumph over Chelsea in 2005 and get on with making more history.

It was unfortunate I couldn't take my chances early on in the fourth. Rafa played well and deserved the win.

Former Liverpool and Inter Milan boss Rafa Benitez is being linked with CSKA Moscow.

David Ngog hopes his clinical strike in the Carling Cup win at Leeds will give boss Rafa Benitez a welcome selection headache.

This is an amazing achievement given the resources Rafa has had available to him. Thank you Rafa for the ride.

Rafa should stop fiddling around and put out the strongest team against the lower clubs such as, Derby, Wigan and Luton.

If you're a young athlete in any sport, take a page from Rafa and Nole.

Pepe Reina could soon be offered a new contract at Anfield, Rafa Benitez has revealed.

Tomorrow (or today) we will tell you when Rafa Benitez will be presented.

Rafa Benitez claims Glen Johnson showed exactly why Liverpool signed him during the 4-0 victory over Stoke City on Wednesday.

Neil Jones' Liverpool Debate: Is Alberto Aquilani the ace up Rafa's sleeve?

Rafa Benitez today backed his team to start firing goals from every angle.

Two-year deal, 4. 5 million per season, commitment to a renewal automatically if Rafa wins the Scudetto or the Champions League.

Rafa Benitez is hopeful of having Alberto Aquilani available to face Wolves at Anfield on Boxing Day.

I would also try to sign Xabi Alonso, although Rafa Benitez won't sell him easily.

Rafa comes from the same area (Mallorca) as his countryman Carlos Moya .

Even if Rafa is doing his inarticulate heckling from the cheap seats.

great post, Rafa will always be a legend in my eyes.

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is hopeful Javier Mascherano will be fit to face Chelsea this weekend.

Arsene Wenger's side are four points behind third-placed Liverpool and have not given up hope of chasing down Rafa Benitez's troops.

No disrespect to Rafa, but there will only ever be one Bill Shankly.

Rafa Benitez is hopeful top scorer Fernando Torres will be fit to face Mersey rivals Everton on Sunday.

Anfield boss Rafa Benitez called Kuyt "Mr Duracell" last season, because of the Dutchman's non-stop running.

In football, everything changes very quickly, but the basic principle is that Rafa has another four-year contract with Liverpool.

Does that give you hope of being on Rafa's team sheet on Wednesday night?

People said you can't play him and Rafa, you'd have two players who want to drop deep, so that was the problem.

Rafa Benitez knew he needed two goals against Chelsea and he went out and tried to get them.

Rafa Benitez today tipped England to give Spain and Brazil a run for their money at this summer's World Cup.

Rafa always plays kind of the same.

Rafa is always on at me to 'speak English', 'speak English'!

Oh, Rafa Benitez, would you please cut the crap for god's sake.

Liverpool have done very well in cup competitions under Rafa.

In football everything changes quickly, but the basic principle is that Rafa still has a four-year contract with Liverpool.

"We are working very hard together, very close, " said Rafa.

The Benitez family continue to live in Wirral, following Rafa's short-lived reign at Inter Milan.

With Daniel Agger now fit, Rafa Benitez has a big decision to make ahead of the derby.

I've done it and if Rafa thinks it's the right thing to do, he's well within his rights to do it.

"Fabio is a player with quality, " Rafa told Liverpoolfc. tv.

"We have a good away record at Manchester City and I am backing Rafa's team to win the game, " Kennedy told Liverpoolfc. tv.

heard this news and i am absolutely gutted. I have always supported Rafa throughout his reign here, and am so sad he has now gone.

We had Rafa and if anything we were looking for someone to play up front with Rafa.

Rafa, do you want Tom Hicks and George Gillett to sell their hockey teams so you can have more money?

Sissoko is in good form and knowing the training methods of Rafa Benitez at Liverpool, I know that the boy has been looked after.

Rafa Benitez believes the 1-0 derby triumph could have a 'massive' impact on the season after Liverpool climbed to fourth place.

The players Rafa has bought are not good enough. If we do not get in the Champions League it will have a big impact.

I didn't know Rafa before coming here, but like everyone else, I know he is a great manager.

The first time I spoke to him, I was convinced. Just to know Rafa has confidence in me and trusts me is massive.

I can win against Rafa. I can win against Novak.

Walk on Rafa, with hope in your heart, you'll never walk alone.

Will Rafa return to Liverpool F. C. ?

Rafa: I was fighting for the black belt so I was brown.

Third was Rafa's reported half-time team-talk with 15 per cent.

I don't know if Rafa played really well. But, anyway, he fought to come back.

Once again, Thank you Rafa.

"Tough to say who is better than Rafa, " Youzhny said.

Rafa Benitez today revealed he has told Xabi Alonso that he should stay at Liverpool.

We support Rafa. He has a programme under way and, as that unfolds, that will be the time for us to be judged, not now.

How did you feel when you heard Rafa wanted to sign you?

Rafa Benitez thinks he can get better and if he does then he will be a frightening sight.

Rafa, i salute you.

I would like to win this game, I think that (Rafa) Benitez would have liked to win this game.

You have an influence on Rafa Benitez because he always gets uptight.

Rafa Benitez believes Liverpool and Everton will compete in English football's biggest local derby on Sunday.

I wouldn't mind if Rafa stayed.

You're the real McCoy Rafa.

That is what Rafa Nadal is doing incredibly well.

"I am happy to get to my first final, " said Rafa.

I have learned a lot from playing for Rafa and we want to play well in every game for him and this club.

Rafa: I was practising Judo when I was younger, and also basketball, so I like both.

Three gears adjustable folding aluminum armrest aluminum tubes rafa Lin cloth chair;

The Australian Open, where Nadal sought to complete the "Rafa Slam" (remember that? )

I have to come up with the best possible tennis against Roger and Rafa [Nadal];