Rafa Benitez set for emotional Liverpool return next month
Rafa Benitez is set to make an emotional return to Liverpool in the near future to create another moment with the Reds fans.
Benitez might have gone on to manage Liverpool’s Merseyside rivals Everton, but he still remains a popular figure in and around the Reds due to what he accomplished during his time in charge of the club.
Benitez will be reuniting with club legend Jamie Carragher and Didi Hamann on May 24 to mark the 20th anniversary of their iconic Champions League victory.
It will be 20 years from that remarkable night where they lifted the trophy for the fifth time, having fought back from three goals down against a strong AC Milan team.
Jamie Carragher is ready to remember history
It was one of the most memorable Champions League finals in history; therefore, celebrating that is something that fans will be eager to do.
Benitez and his former players will be reliving it at Liverpool’s Crowne Plaza Hotel, the night before the Premier League season ends, for a Q&A session with fans as they remember the game itself and the memories they have of that fateful night.
The next day, Liverpool will face Crystal Palace at Anfield, on a day where fans are hoping to be celebrating again, this time with the Premier League trophy, in what would make for a special weekend.
| Premier League table | Games Played | Wins | Goal Difference | Points |
| 1. Liverpool | 31 | 22 | +42 | 73 |
| 2. Arsenal | 31 | 17 | +30 | 62 |
Carragher told the Liverpool Echo (9 April): “Istanbul is a night that’s always going to be close to the hearts of every Liverpool fan, and it’s a privilege to be part of this special celebration.
“It’s going to be a brilliant evening – emotional, fun, and full of memories. We’ll get the chance to share those incredible moments with the fans who were right there with us, living through every second of that night.
“We’ll all be reliving that unforgettable moment together, and the best part is, it’s all for such a great cause. I’m looking forward to seeing everyone there and sharing what’s sure to be an unforgettable night.”
Benitez could be returning to management soon
The former Liverpool boss is currently out of work, but that is something that could be set to change in the near future.
Benitez has been heavily linked with a return to management to take on the Rangers job, which is set to become vacant at the end of this season.
Barry Ferguson is currently in charge of the Scottish giants, but he only took charge of the team partway through the season after Philippe Clement was fired.
Ferguson was only hired on a temporary basis until the end of the season, and with the 49ers set to take over Rangers, they are expected to be putting their own stamp on the club, which a new manager such as Benitez would achieve.