Liverpool old boy Ian Callaghan reckons Anfield boss Rafa Benitez has a hint of Bill Shankly in his make-up.
But the former Kop favourite, who saw at firsthand what the legendary Scot achieved at the club, says the Spaniard will never be held in similar esteem even if he does finally end Liverpool’s wait for the Premier League crown next season.
“A lot of progress has been made over the past five years and Rafa is emerging as a fantastic manager in the club’s history,” said Callaghan, who made a record 857 appearances for the club.
“I really admire him and what he has achieved so far is exceptional.
“He has won the Champions League and the FA Cup, got to another Champions League final and just missed out on the title.
“This is the best league in the world and it’s very difficult when you’ve got other big clubs spending a great deal of money.
“But we came so close last season and if he can keep the squad together we only need a couple of additions.
“The Premier League has to be the number one priority because that’s what all the fans want. I’m looking forward to watching us make the next step.”
Callaghan knows all about gifted tacticians wrestling control of the club having been at Anfield during Shankly’s reign.
He signed as an apprentice in 1960 – just a few months after the Scotsman had taken over – and stayed for 18 years.
In that time the club were transformed from Second Division strugglers into champions of Europe.
Shankly resigned in 1974 after his 15 years in charge had yielded the Second Division title, three First Division championships, two FA Cups and the Uefa Cup.
“Like Bill Shankly, Rafa is a strong personality but you can’t really compare them,” Callaghan said.
“No disrespect to Rafa, but there will only ever be one Bill Shankly.
“He was in charge for 15 years and what he achieved was unbelievable. I was privileged to play under him
“Liverpool were a Second Division club going nowhere when he took over in 1959.
“We really needed someone who was very strong and outgoing to turn the club around because we weren't going anywhere until Shanks arrived.
“The foundations were laid by Shanks and Bob (Paisley) carried it on. Shanks turned the club around and got us back into the top division.
“It took a few seasons to get what he wanted but he changed everything. Liverpool are where they are today thanks to him.
“I would love to see Rafa go on to emulate what Shanks achieved.
“It’s been far too long since the club won the title and hopefully Steven Gerrard will finally get his hands on the trophy next season.”
Fans may still be waiting for the Reds’ first new signing to be paraded – but it has already been a summer of change at Anfield.
Celebrating his fifth anniversary this week as Liverpool boss, the Spaniard knows his position has never been stronger.
Benitez has finally secured the kind of influence he has always craved, his frustration at the Reds’ failure to complete transfer deals eased by the departure of chief executive Rick Parry.
Now Benitez has a much more hands-on role in securing targets.
Just like Bill Shankly when he walked into Anfield nearly 50 years ago, Benitez has a vision.
And he won’t be afraid to make difficult decisions which he believes will benefit Liverpool in the long term.
But the former Kop favourite, who saw at firsthand what the legendary Scot achieved at the club, says the Spaniard will never be held in similar esteem even if he does finally end Liverpool’s wait for the Premier League crown next season.
“A lot of progress has been made over the past five years and Rafa is emerging as a fantastic manager in the club’s history,” said Callaghan, who made a record 857 appearances for the club.
“I really admire him and what he has achieved so far is exceptional.
“He has won the Champions League and the FA Cup, got to another Champions League final and just missed out on the title.
“This is the best league in the world and it’s very difficult when you’ve got other big clubs spending a great deal of money.
“But we came so close last season and if he can keep the squad together we only need a couple of additions.
“The Premier League has to be the number one priority because that’s what all the fans want. I’m looking forward to watching us make the next step.”
Callaghan knows all about gifted tacticians wrestling control of the club having been at Anfield during Shankly’s reign.
He signed as an apprentice in 1960 – just a few months after the Scotsman had taken over – and stayed for 18 years.
In that time the club were transformed from Second Division strugglers into champions of Europe.
Shankly resigned in 1974 after his 15 years in charge had yielded the Second Division title, three First Division championships, two FA Cups and the Uefa Cup.
“Like Bill Shankly, Rafa is a strong personality but you can’t really compare them,” Callaghan said.
“No disrespect to Rafa, but there will only ever be one Bill Shankly.
“He was in charge for 15 years and what he achieved was unbelievable. I was privileged to play under him
“Liverpool were a Second Division club going nowhere when he took over in 1959.
“We really needed someone who was very strong and outgoing to turn the club around because we weren't going anywhere until Shanks arrived.
“The foundations were laid by Shanks and Bob (Paisley) carried it on. Shanks turned the club around and got us back into the top division.
“It took a few seasons to get what he wanted but he changed everything. Liverpool are where they are today thanks to him.
“I would love to see Rafa go on to emulate what Shanks achieved.
“It’s been far too long since the club won the title and hopefully Steven Gerrard will finally get his hands on the trophy next season.”
Fans may still be waiting for the Reds’ first new signing to be paraded – but it has already been a summer of change at Anfield.
Celebrating his fifth anniversary this week as Liverpool boss, the Spaniard knows his position has never been stronger.
Benitez has finally secured the kind of influence he has always craved, his frustration at the Reds’ failure to complete transfer deals eased by the departure of chief executive Rick Parry.
Now Benitez has a much more hands-on role in securing targets.
Just like Bill Shankly when he walked into Anfield nearly 50 years ago, Benitez has a vision.
And he won’t be afraid to make difficult decisions which he believes will benefit Liverpool in the long term.
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