Rafa Benitez says that he wants to be remembered as one of the Liverpool’s greatest managers.
The Spaniard has surprised many observers by leading the club to the final of the Champions League in his first season in charge at Anfield.
The former Valencia manager wants to create a dynasty to rank alongside those of illustrious predecessors Bil Shankly and Bob Paisley.
“I have many more years on my contract and I want to win trophies for my club,” said Benitez.
“I would like to be here for a number of years and win a lot of trophies. If people then compare me to Shankly or Paisley that would be fantastic.
“At the moment, they’re right up here and I’m right down there. But I will try to do the same as Shankly did.
“I need more time to achieve things here but I say to you that I have confidence I will have the time it will need. I believe in that but I know it’s difficult. I want to manage and work hard.
“People only think about Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United winning the big trophies but it was the same in Spain with Real Madrid and Barcelona and we managed to win two titles with Valencia.”
Benitez is preparing his side for their Champions League encounter with Milan in Istanbul on Wednesday, but even though the game could be decided on penalties, he has not encouraged his players to practice from the spot-kick. .
“I don’t believe in practising penalties,” Benitez told the club website. “In my opinion, the most important factor is how you feel on the day, not if you look good taking a penalty in training.
“You can look the best in practise, but then when you’re in front of all the people inside the stadium, you may get afraid.
“I don’t go into a game like this thinking it’s going to go to penalties. I only think about winning the match. Maybe if we get to extra time, then I’ll consider who takes penalties.”
