Liverpool legends at each other’s throats, Benitez takes unsubtle swipe at Gerrard

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Steven Gerrard and Rafa Benitez are both beloved at Liverpool, but our former skipper has spoken out against the Real Madrid manager by claiming there is no bond between the two men (via The Guardian).

Benitez has reacted to the comments rather badly, insisting that Gerrard has only spoken out due to the imminent release of his new book, The Guardian reports.

“I have read the quotes and I believe he is wrong,” Benitez is quoted as saying.

“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.”

Benitez has responded in a way so many managers do, by saying he isn’t going to get involved or drawn into an argument or a war of words, and then immediately following it up with a not so subtle dig.

He claims that out of respect for Gerrard he would simply “let it pass”, but then straight away suggests his former player is just trying to sell books.

As the report suggests, Gerrard has suggested there is no longer anything between the two men. He claims out of all his previous managers, Benitez is the only one he can’t just pick up the phone and have a chat with.

He suggests that this lack of a relationship stems from early comments made by Rafa, who asked his mother “a very blunt question: ‘Does Steven like money?’ Apart from a standard ‘hello … good to meet you’ introduction, those were the first words Rafa said to my mum. I thought: ‘What kind of question is that?'”

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It’s a shame to see these two taking swings at each other, but unfortunately it often can’t be helped in football.

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