Liverpool ace told Rafa Benitez 'you have no respect for me' pre-Champions League final
dailystar.co.ukLiverpool boss Rafa Benitez was told by Vladimir Smicer that he had no respect for the midfielder, just days before he went on to score in the iconic Champions League final.The Czech international was set to leave Liverpool at the end of the 2004/05 season, and wanted an emotional Anfield farewell before heading out to Istanbul for the final.
Smicer signed for the Reds in 1999, but after six years it was time to move on.But Benitez denied Smicer the chance to have one final run out at Anfield, and the pair were embroiled in a heated verbal exchange after the game.
However, Smicer ultimately gave Liverpool fans the perfect send off, as he was a major part of one of their greatest ever successes.READ MORE: Jude Bellingham shows why Liverpool are after him with outrageous solo goal for DortmundOn the final day of the 2004/05 Premier League season, Liverpool hosted Aston Villa, knowing that a win would be enough to secure fifth place - which back then was enough to gain entry into the Champions League.
Smicer was desperate to play in order to say goodbye to the Anfield crowd, but Benitez rejected his plea as the 'team was more important'.Liverpool went on to win 2-1, but Smicer still didn't hold back and confronted Benitez.
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