10 Liverpool Players Who Fell Out With The Manager

5. Yossi Benayoun

Not many knew about it, as Yossi Benayoun seemed like a quiet, affable chap, but even the Israeli fan favourite was at the centre of a bust-up with Rafa Benitez. Such was the Spaniard€™s apparent cold, robotic and distant demeanour, alienating members of his squad, this list could have been filled purely with players who became fed up of the former Valencia boss€™ antics. There always did seem something amiss about Benayoun€™s transfer to Chelsea in 2010, such was his popularity on Merseyside, but according to the former West Ham playmaker, there was only one man responsible for that heavy-hearted decision.

''Everyone asks me why I left Liverpool. There is only one reason - Rafa Benitez. If I played well, I never felt he gave me credit. When I scored, I still expected to be out of the team the next game. On two occasions early last season, against Fulham and Lyon, the fans booed when I was subbed. They thought I was playing well but Benitez told me he was surprised the fans booed because i was not good enough. He tried to destroy my confidence. You can۪t treat a player like this and expect him to be happy. Benitez tried to break me like he broke Riera. Chelsea made an offer, and the deal was done before Benitez left.۪۪ - Yossi Benayoun, July 2010.

Needless to say, Benayoun must have been crying into his porridge when news broke that Benitez had taken over as Chelsea interim boss during the 12/13 season.