Legacy, Leadership and Liverpool: Gerrard and Benitez Reunite to Reflect on Istanbul Glory
In football, there are moments that transcend the sport — snapshots of time when everything aligns, when players become legends and clubs etch their names into history. Liverpool’s dramatic Champions League triumph in Istanbul in 2005 remains one such moment. Now, 20 years on, a special roundtable hosted at the storied St George’s Hall brought together three of the key figures from that unforgettable night: Steven Gerrard, Rafa Benitez and Sami Hyypiä.
Presented by Standard Chartered, the conversation delved deep into the emotion, resilience and unity that defined one of Liverpool’s greatest comebacks — coming from 3-0 down at half-time against a fearsome AC Milan side to clinch the club’s fifth European Cup on penalties.
Gerrard’s Emotional Connection to Istanbul
Steven Gerrard, the heartbeat of that 2005 side, spoke with raw honesty about the legacy left behind by that iconic night in Istanbul.
“The big moments we shared together, it affected so many lives, especially here in the city, the country and beyond,” Gerrard recalled. “To leave a legacy that we did is obviously a very proud feeling… I wish I could do it all again. I wouldn’t want to lose those special moments, I wouldn’t want them to be taken away, to start again.”
With the kind of introspection only time affords, Gerrard reflected on his time at the club with deep affection. “In terms of how lucky I was to live the dream as a Liverpool player, I’d go back to 17 years of age tomorrow.”
Benitez’s Tactical Genius Recognised
Rafa Benitez, the mastermind behind Liverpool’s improbable run to European glory, received heartfelt praise from Gerrard, not just for his tactics but for the belief he instilled.
“I’m not saying this because he’s sitting next to me, but the job that Rafa did in terms of where he took that team, [with] the level of ability across the squad… for Rafa to guide us to win that European Cup is probably one of the best jobs you’ll see,” Gerrard said.
Benitez, humble yet firm in his beliefs, responded in kind, offering one of the highest compliments possible for a player he once captained.
“They’ve asked me so many times which is the best player you’ve already coached,” he said. “I have [Cristiano] Ronaldo, [Samuel] Eto’o, [Eden] Hazard and always I say Stevie. Why? Because he has the potential so always when I explain, he was good in the air, he has power, pace and [his] technical ability was good.
“As a player he was the best player I have coached because he has everything… he was more complete.”
Legacy That Transcends Generations
Filmed inside the majestic St George’s Hall, adorned with Liverpool banners, the setting added gravitas to a conversation already steeped in sentiment. The roundtable wasn’t just about reminiscing — it was a celebration of a culture, a reminder of the heights Liverpool can reach when unity, ambition and talent converge.
With a new chapter now being written under Arne Slot — who has already delivered a Premier League title in his debut season — this retrospective served as a poignant reminder of how far the club has come, and the foundations laid by those who came before.
The echoes of Istanbul still ring out across Anfield, not merely as a memory but as a benchmark of belief and resilience. Gerrard and Benitez, once general and commander, continue to embody what it means to represent Liverpool: to lead, to inspire and to never give up.
