He was talking about facts. But in the weeks following Rafael Benitez's now infamous press conference, 10 years ago today, the actual facts were twisted to suit a narrative that lent itself to an already exciting Premier League title race. Was Benitez, like Kevin Keegan did in 1996, really 'cracking up' in the face of Sir Alex Ferguson's mind games? In truth, it looked that way. The Spaniard sat down for what was a run of the mill press conference ahead of Liverpool's trip to Stoke and unfolded a piece of paper. What happened next shocked the gathered journalists and set tongues wagging throughout the country. Addressing the Manchester United boss as "Mr Ferguson", Benitez hit back at the Scot's complaints about the fixture list and got a whole lot more off his chest in the process. Watch Benitez's full 'facts' press conference in full Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will start in 8Cancel Play now ""I was surprised by what has been said, but maybe they [Manchester United] are nervous because we are at the top of the table," Benitez said. "But I want to talk about facts. I want to be clear, I do not want to play mind games too early, although they seem to want to start. But I have seen some facts. On 1 November, they played Hull and Mr Ferguson had a two-match touchline ban and a £10,000 fine after confronting Mike Dean, the referee, for improper conduct. "We started the Respect campaign, and that was when [Javier] Mascherano was sent off [last season] at Old Trafford. The referee [Steve Bennett] was the referee when they played against Wigan – he could not see the handball against Wigan by Rio Ferdinand, he did not give a penalty. They won the game and they won the title in this game. I think it will be the same referee who will be in charge of their game in hand this season [against Wigan]." Benitez went on: "During the Respect campaign – and this is a fact – Mr Ferguson was charged by the FA for improper conduct after comments made about Martin Atkinson and Keith Hackett. He was not punished. He is the only manager in the league that cannot be punished for these things. "Then he was talking about the fixtures. Two years ago we were playing a lot of early kick-offs away on Saturdays when United were playing on Sundays. And we didn't say anything. Now he is complaining about everything, that everybody is against United. But the second half of the season will see them playing at home against all the teams at the top of the table. It is a fantastic advantage. "But at Christmas, United played on the 29th and the rest of the teams played on the 28th. We were away against Newcastle two days after playing Bolton. They were playing about 40 hours later, they were not complaining then. "And about his behaviour with referees. The Southampton manager he knows how Mr Ferguson works and how he works, he was very clear. I am not playing mind games, just facts." There was more. Much more. Benitez list
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Rafa Benitez, facts and the real story behind his Liverpool 'rant'
JahaDR
January 14, 2019
He was talking about facts. But in the weeks following Rafael Benitez's now infamous press conference, 10 years ago today, the actual facts were twisted to suit a narrative that lent itself to an already exciting Premier League title race. Was Benitez, like Kevin Keegan did in 1996, really 'cracking up' in the face of Sir Alex Ferguson's mind games? In truth, it looked that way. The Spaniard sat down for what was a run of the mill press conference ahead of Liverpool's trip to Stoke and unfolded a piece of paper. What happened next shocked the gathered journalists and set tongues wagging throughout the country. Addressing the Manchester United boss as "Mr Ferguson", Benitez hit back at the Scot's complaints about the fixture list and got a whole lot more off his chest in the process. Watch Benitez's full 'facts' press conference in full Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will start in 8Cancel Play now ""I was surprised by what has been said, but maybe they [Manchester United] are nervous because we are at the top of the table," Benitez said. "But I want to talk about facts. I want to be clear, I do not want to play mind games too early, although they seem to want to start. But I have seen some facts. On 1 November, they played Hull and Mr Ferguson had a two-match touchline ban and a £10,000 fine after confronting Mike Dean, the referee, for improper conduct. "We started the Respect campaign, and that was when [Javier] Mascherano was sent off [last season] at Old Trafford. The referee [Steve Bennett] was the referee when they played against Wigan – he could not see the handball against Wigan by Rio Ferdinand, he did not give a penalty. They won the game and they won the title in this game. I think it will be the same referee who will be in charge of their game in hand this season [against Wigan]." Benitez went on: "During the Respect campaign – and this is a fact – Mr Ferguson was charged by the FA for improper conduct after comments made about Martin Atkinson and Keith Hackett. He was not punished. He is the only manager in the league that cannot be punished for these things. "Then he was talking about the fixtures. Two years ago we were playing a lot of early kick-offs away on Saturdays when United were playing on Sundays. And we didn't say anything. Now he is complaining about everything, that everybody is against United. But the second half of the season will see them playing at home against all the teams at the top of the table. It is a fantastic advantage. "But at Christmas, United played on the 29th and the rest of the teams played on the 28th. We were away against Newcastle two days after playing Bolton. They were playing about 40 hours later, they were not complaining then. "And about his behaviour with referees. The Southampton manager he knows how Mr Ferguson works and how he works, he was very clear. I am not playing mind games, just facts." There was more. Much more. Benitez list
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