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Rafa Benitez says it was 'strange' he wasn't approached for Liverpool job
RAFA Benítez has spoken of his surprise at not being considered for the vacant manager's job at Liverpool when Kenny Dalglish was sacked at the end of last season.
The Spaniard, who managed the Anfield club between 2004 and 2010, said he found it "strange" he was not considered for the vacant role, despite his familiarity with the club.
He said: "We know the club, the players, the Academy and we have even more experience now ... the fans were positive about the idea.
"We used to play so many important games that it seemed it was normal and it wasn't," said Benítez.
During his tenure Benitez often led Liverpool to victory, with the club regularly competing in the Champions League and winning the competition in 2005, his first season in charge.
Under Benitez the club also reached the final in 2007 and won the FA Cup in 2006, alongside a succession of top four league finishes.
People were talking about 'the past', but just a few years ago Liverpool FC was number one in Europe
"People were talking about 'the past', but just a few years ago Liverpool FC was number one in Europe."
"Some people were taking these great games for granted," he added.