Liverpool boss Rafael Benítez is rapidly building up an excellent reputation for the success he’s brought to Anfield since he joined the club almost three years ago, including taking the club to a second Champions League final in the space of two years.
What few people realised was that he has psychic skills too. Or at least it looks that way.
Back in February Rafael Benítez reflected on the draw for the last 16 as Liverpool were being written off due to their pairing with Barcelona. Speaking to Corriere dello Sport Rafa said: “I think the final will be Liverpool v Milan and that we will win again. It's sure.”
Well he’s got half of that prediction right, and in less than three weeks we’ll find out if he’s got the other half right too.
Rafa was determined to confound the critics back then: “In football there is nothing impossible. We are ready to astonish you once again. Whoever sees us as victims is wrong. We were the same also against Milan in Istanbul's final and to those who see us already beaten by Barcelona, I suggest to see how that match ends.”
Richard Keys was one of those laughing – literally – at Liverpool’s chances of progressing in the Champions League back in January when they’d just lost with a reserve side to Arsenal in the League Cup. Along with Paul Merson he mocked Jamie Redknapp who pointed out that Liverpool hadn’t exactly played their strongest sides in either of the domestic cups. Last night Keys looked quite disappointed that Manchester United had failed to overcome Milan. Now the hopes of England rest on the side he laughed at. Now he must feel quite silly, to say the least. If Liverpool win the Champions League he should go to get his arms waxed on live TV.