Former Liverpool FC manager Rafael Benitez to launch his own website

Sep 6 2011 by Neil Jones, Liverpool Echo

FORMER Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez will this week launch his official website in order to help promote the charity Foundation run by his wife.

The website, www.rafabenitez.com, will be opened tomorrow and is designed to raise awareness of the Montse Benitez Foundation, which itself launches at the end of the month.

Benitez, who spent six years as manager at Anfield before his departure in June 2010, recently announced plans to hold a Gala Dinner at Liverpool’s BT Convention centre next month, with a fans’ Q&A session at the Empire Theatre to follow.

The content of Benitez’s website will provide a vehicle for communication with fans by giving details of his biography, career and records achieved at all of the clubs he has managed, as well as giving up to date information on his interviews and thoughts on football.

Via his blog he will be writing in-depth technical articles with his thoughts on current trends or matters of interest in football.

Ultimately, the website will keep the public informed of events and activities of Montse Benitez’s Foundation, in order to raise awareness and money for local and national charities.

The website will be launched on Wednesday in Paris in conjunction with Eurosport, who will also announce Rafa’s new role as an expert commentator on world football with their programme Eurogoals. Benitez will be participating in a TV programme debating football issues alongside Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, who is also contributing to Eurosport’s football analysis.

Benitez said: “I have always been keen to communicate with fans, especially local fans as my family have become part of the community.”

After the website launch, he will helping Montse officially launch the Foundation on September 29, before hosting a Gala Dinner at the Convention Centre on October 15.

At the dinner, there will be a chance for attendees to hear Rafa talk in detail about his career and thoughts on football. There will also be raffles for autographed items from the world’s most successful players in football, tennis and golf.

The following day, October 16, Rafa will be holding an Audience with fans in a question and answer session at the Empire.

All proceeds from both events will go straight to the Foundation.

Benitez added: “The launch of Montse’s Foundation is the prime reason for all these events, and it is hoped that the proceeds will enable the Foundation to get off to a fine start.”

IN TOMORROW’S ECHO, exclusively read Rafa’s technical analysis of how English football differs from its Spanish counterpart.