Former Liverpool midfielder Jermaine Pennant has explained in his book of his “nightmare” years at Anfield working under Rafael Benitez.
The winger, who was managed by Benitez at Liverpool between 2006 and 2009, make it clear of his disapproval towards training days under the Spaniard.
Writing in his book, Mental: Bad Behaviour, Ugly Truths and the Beautiful Game, the former England pro was critical of the Champions League winning boss for affecting his own game.
Pennant said, as quoted by the Mirror: “When you have so many instructions, it makes it so difficult. You’ve got some instructions and tactics in your mind and yet he’s shouting even more at you. All of a sudden you’re confused.
“You’ve got two sets of instructions in your mind and you’re left wondering what to do. It means that, suddenly, you mess up with a simple pass because your mind is all over the place. Honestly, Rafa was a nightmare like that.”
“As a player, you just want a bit of fun, to make training good and lively.
“But, with Rafa, the training was so boring… The amount of time in training that we’d do shape, tactics and nothing else!”
OPINION
Although the training may have been frustrating for Pennant, he must remember that he was on a strong contract at Anfield and many would have trained in the most boring circumstances to be on a footballer’s wage playing in the English top flight. Benitez’s philosophy must have worked at Liverpool as the club endured a successful period under Benitez, with an FA Cup triumph accompanied by the Champions League trophy in 2005. The comments are highly disrespectful on a manager who had brought the glory days of the historic club back to the red half of Merseyside. Many players under the guidance of Rafael Benitez have went on to improve their careers whilst working under the prolific manager and it is clear that Pennant’s disagreements with him saw his career fall downhill after his three year stint with the Reds. Pennant is a prime footballing example of those who fail to work hard despite the bundles of talent that they bestow with a ball at their feet and will look back on his career with more regrets than positive memories.
