Rafa Benitez claims Jurgen Klopp’s current Liverpool side are better than his group that won the Champions League in Istanbul in 2005
- Rafa Benitez believes Jurgen Klopp’s side are stronger than his 2005 heroes
- Benitez’s group led Liverpool to Champions League glory in Istanbul
- Klopp’s side claimed the club’s sixth European Cup in Madrid earlier this year
Rafa Benitez has claimed that Jurgen Klopp’s current crop is better than his side that won the Champions League in 2005.
Benitez became the first Liverpool manager to lift the European Cup since 1984 when the Reds beat AC Milan on penalties in Istanbul.
Klopp won his first trophy when his side beat Tottenham in June to lift the club’s sixth European Cup.
Rafa Benitez believes Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool side are better than his group from 2005
Klopp led Liverpool to Champions League glory against Tottenham earlier this year
Asked during a Q&A with The Athletic to compare the two sides, Benitez said: ‘I’m really proud of what we achieved in 2005, but 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 also explained what he told his players when they were 3-0 down at half-time against Milan.
Liverpool completely an incredible comeback to beat AC Milan on penalties in Istanbul
He added: ‘The message was clear: Give them some hope, some confidence, tell them that if we score one goal we will be back in the game, and change the tactics to three at the back and two holding midfielders, to control Kaka between the lines with Hamann and Alonso.
‘After we were lucky enough to score goals in a short period and that was a plus for everyone because we grew in confidence, little by little.’