Rafael Benitez has revealed he underwent talks to become Tottenham Hotspur manager before taking the Liverpool job.
The Spaniard was highly sought-after in the summer of 2004 following a three-year spell where he led Valencia to two La Liga titles and a UEFA Cup.
Benitez was ultimately hired by Liverpool, where he went on to win Champions League and FA Cup titles during his six years in charge. He also finished in the Premier League’s top four on four occasions and reached further Champions League, League Cup and Club World Cup finals.
Liverpool also came agonisingly close to winning the Premier League in 2008/09, finishing second on 86 points with just two defeats all season; four points adrift of Manchester United.
Rafa Benitez reveals historic Tottenham interest
It could have been different for Benitez, however, with the 64-year-old — who has also managed the likes of Napoli, Real Madrid, Chelsea, Everton and Newcastle — admitting Tottenham were among the other clubs at the table.
“Was there another English side, I believe, at that time?” Benitez was asked on the It Was What It Was podcast (via TBR).
He responded: “Yeah, there was another one.
“Was it Tottenham? It’s not important at this time. It’s not important.”
“We are talking about a long time ago, but there was Besiktas, Inter, Tottenham and Liverpool. But when I say offers, interest, and then they were talking with my agent and that’s it. But the most serious for me and the most exciting was Liverpool.”
Spurs cycled through managers during Benitez’s time in charge of Tottenham, including the likes of Jacques Santini, Martin Jol, Juande Ramos and Harry Redknapp.
Only Ramos was able to win a trophy, however, leading Spurs to a 2-1 victory over Chelsea in the 2008 League Cup final.
