JERZY DUDEK: “I CONSIDERED PUNCHING RAFA IN THE FACE”

The former goalkeeper of Real Madrid and Liverpool, Jerzy Dudek, presented his autobiography and made some surprising statements when talking about his relationship with Rafael Benitez, his former manager with the ‘reds’. The Polish player, who had a great performance to win the Champions League under the orders of the Spanish manager, revealed how bad his relationship with the coach was.

“To be honest, I really thought about punching Rafa in the face” commented the former footballer. Why did he say this? Well, because the season after the most important title in Europe, the English team signed José ‘Pepe’ Reina and the Polish goalkeeper was relegated to the bench. One of the heroes of that championship was sidelined. Did he actually hit him? The truth is that the Polish player didn't do it, “I considered the consequences. Would it be a media scandal? I had just won the Champions League a few months before, it wouldn't have looked good on my resume, but I was still angry” explained in his book.

Undoubtedly, one of the most important matches in the history of Liverpool and the Champions League was the final in Istanbul. Benitez's team was losing 0-3 against Milan, but they managed to make a comeback, mainly thanks to a magnificent performance by Dudek. In addition, in the penalty shootout and with strange movements, the Polish goalkeeper saved the penalty from Pirlo and the decisive one from Schevchenko. A spectacular match that allowed the English team to win their first ‘big-eared’ trophy. A deafening ‘you’ll never walk alone’ was constantly heard despite the heavy defeat.

“Rafa said he would help me if a good offer came, but he didn't. He has a lot of football knowledge, but lacks people skills. He always finds problems because he is cold, he keeps a distance from the players” commented the former player about the current Newcastle coach.

Dudek left Liverpool in the 2007/08 season and signed with Real Madrid. The Polish player spent six seasons with the ‘reds’ until he joined the ‘White House’ as a free agent. The goalkeeper remained four years at the Spanish capital club and retired at the age of 38.