Former Liverpool midfielder Yossi Benayoun has reflected on his time at Anfield, describing his move to the Reds as the best decision of his career. However, he admitted that his departure was beyond his control.
Speaking to the media after playing for the Liverpool Legends against Chelsea, the ex-Israeli international shared his thoughts on Liverpool’s current Premier League title charge and reminisced about the club’s past battles for domestic dominance.
Liverpool Closing in on Premier League Glory
With just nine games left in the season, Liverpool are sitting comfortably at the top of the Premier League table, holding a commanding 12-point lead. Despite recent setbacks in the Champions League against Paris Saint-Germain and a League Cup final defeat to Newcastle United, the Reds remain firm favorites to secure the title.
Fans have already begun chanting in anticipation of their success, a familiar scene reminiscent of past title races. Liverpool supporters first revived their famous “We’re gonna win the league!” chant during their 2-0 victory over Manchester City on February 23. The song, originally used during the 2019/20 season when Liverpool ended their 30-year title drought, now signals the growing belief that Arne Slot’s squad is destined to lift the trophy.
Benayoun’s Painful Memory of 2009 Title Race
Liverpool fans have been in this position before. Back in April 2009, Yossi Benayoun scored a dramatic stoppage-time winner against Fulham, sending the away supporters into celebration. The victory temporarily put Rafa Benitez’s side two points clear of Manchester United, igniting belief that the title was within reach.
However, United, managed by Sir Alex Ferguson, still had two games in hand. The following day, a late winner from Federico Macheda in a 3-2 victory over Aston Villa restored United’s lead at the top. They went unbeaten for the remainder of the season, securing the title by four points and dashing Liverpool’s hopes.
Reflecting on that painful memory, Benayoun admitted he was convinced Liverpool would win the league after his dramatic goal at Craven Cottage.
“Yeah, I really thought after that game against Fulham that we would win the league,” he told the ECHO. “But then Macheda scored the next day, and everything changed.”
Liverpool’s Evolution into a Dominant Force
Despite missing out on the title during his time at Anfield, Benayoun takes pride in the club’s transformation over the years. He credited the current squad’s resilience and progress under Jurgen Klopp, which has led to multiple domestic and European triumphs.
“I was at Liverpool when they hadn’t won the league for a long time. That was always our main goal,” he said. “In the 2008/09 season, we were leading the table in January, but we couldn’t hold on. At the time, we had an incredible team—Xabi Alonso, Javier Mascherano, Steven Gerrard, and so many great players. We just didn’t have the luck we needed.”
Benayoun acknowledged Liverpool’s recent success, highlighting their Premier League and Champions League victories as proof of their steady rise to the top.
“I’m happy that Liverpool finally won the league and many other titles. The club has improved year after year, and now they are one of the best in the world,” he added.
A Forced Exit from Anfield
While Benayoun cherishes his time at Liverpool, he revealed that leaving the club was never his choice. He remains grateful for the experience, calling his move to Anfield the best decision of his career.
His departure may have been out of his hands, but his love for the club remains strong. Now, as Liverpool edge closer to another Premier League crown, Benayoun can look back on his contributions with pride, knowing that he played a part in the club’s journey to success.
