Latest Liverpool news: Benitez explains why this team is better than 2005 Champions League winners

Rafa Benitez is still one of the most loved former managers at Liverpool.

The Spaniard might not have landed the coveted Premier League title, but he transformed the Reds into a European powerhouse.

Benitez helped us win the Champions League in 2005, thanks to an epic comeback after being 3-0 down to AC Milan in Istanbul.

The Spaniard also won the FA Cup the following season and came close to landing the Premier League title.

Winning the fifth Champions League crown has engraved Benitez’s name in Liverpool’s history, and the Spaniard took part in a Q+A session for the Athletic.

Benitez was asked which of the ’05 and the current Liverpool side was better. The former Newcastle and Valencia manager claimed Jurgen Klopp’s men were better and revealed why (h/t Daily Star):

“I have to say that the 2019 team is stronger already.

“The team that we had, what we had at this time was great team effort and a lot of character, as well as commitment on the pitch.

“This team have the intensity and the quality that can make the difference in games.”

Benitez’s side also had some great players

Klopp has made some astute signings in his time at Anfield like Sadio Mane, Virgil van Dijk, Alisson, Fabinho, Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson, however, Benitez also had some quality players during his time at Anfield.

Fernando Torres joined us after the Champions League win while Xabi Alonso scored in the Istanbul final.

Javier Mascherano was another great signing for the Reds, but the current side doesn’t have any weaknesses.

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Liverpool seem set to dominate football for a few years and hopefully, can land the Premier League under Klopp.