Rafa Benitez is set to return to Anfield as a pundit for Amazon Prime, where he will be reunited with former striker Robbie Fowler. The 66-year-old, most recently in charge of Panathinaikos, will join Fowler and Daniel Sturridge in the studio as Liverpool take on Villarreal in the Champions League on Tuesday.
A Beloved Figure at Anfield
Benitez remains a popular figure among Liverpool supporters, having managed the club for six years. During that spell, he guided the Reds to Champions League glory in 2005, followed by FA Cup success in 2006. He also reached a second Champions League final in 2007 and narrowly missed out on the Premier League title in 2009.
Fowler, nicknamed 'God' by Liverpool fans, scored 171 goals in 330 games before leaving for Leeds United in 2001. Benitez brought him back to Anfield in January 2006, and the pair are now set to be reunited as pundits.
Fowler Recalls His Return
Fowler has previously spoken about the moment he first met Benitez, after Liverpool's Champions League semi-final win over Chelsea in 2005. He told Liverpool's club website: "After that match was the first time I had met Rafa Benitez. I was in a bar in Liverpool following the game - I actually think it was a club function that I had managed to sneak myself into."
He added: "It took a little bit of Dutch courage, if I am totally honest - but I was quickly in his ear and telling him how much I'd love to come back. He fobbed me off at first, but it was less than a year later that I got a phone call out of nowhere when I was at Manchester City."
Fowler rejoined Liverpool on a free transfer from Manchester City in January 2006. He described the move as "the best thing that ever happened to me in football", adding: "It was better than winning trophies. I got the chance to pull on a red shirt again and I probably appreciated it more."
Reunion on Punditry Duty
The Amazon Prime lineup will see Gabby Logan host, with Benitez, Fowler, and Sturridge providing analysis. Fowler spent 18 months in his second spell at Liverpool, scoring 12 goals in 39 appearances before retiring in 2012.
Former Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina, who made 302 appearances under Benitez, will also be watching closely. Reina, who had two spells with Villarreal as a player, is now coaching the Spanish club's U19 side.
