Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Rafa Set To Overtake Shanks

Rafa Benitez will tomorrow overtake the legendary Bill Shankly by leading Liverpool into a record 66th European game.

Benitez goes into the Group D clash against Marseille level with Shanks on 65 continental games as Anfield manager.

The pair are four ahead of three-times European Cup winner Bob Paisley on 61, with Gerard Houllier fourth on the list with 52.

Benitez has won 38, drawn 14 and lost 13 of his European games since taking charge in July 2004.

His win ratio is 58.5 per cent - bettered only by Paisley (63.9) and Joe Fagan (73.7).

After winning the Champions League in his first season, Benitez led the Reds to the 2007 final and 2008 semi-finals.

"I'm really pleased with this record because Liverpool have had many fantastic managers," said Benitez today.

"I didn't know about it until a couple of weeks ago but it shows we have a good squad of players who have done well in Europe over recent seasons.

"Hopefully we can have many more European games to look forward to in the future - including the final this season."


Our managers in Europe:

Rafa Benitez - 65 games (win ratio 58.5 per cent)

Bill Shankly - 65 games (52.3)

Bob Paisley - 61 games (63.9)

Gerard Houllier - 52 games (50)

Joe Fagan - 19 games (73.7)

Roy Evans - 16 games (50)

Graeme Souness - 12 games (50)

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