Rafa's soft spot for Florence

Rafa Benitez admits he has fond memories of Liverpool's Champions League opponents Fiorentina following a short stint there during his managerial apprenticeship.

The Spaniard today returns to the city where he spent three days studying training methods during the 1990s.
 
The visit took place within Claudio Ranieri's reign before Benitez earned European acclaim for his achievements at Valencia.
 
"Gabriel Batistuta was there at the time," recalls the Liverpool boss. "I was watching a training session and he was joking with the fitness coach. It was a good time and they trained very well.
 
"I remember we had to cross the road to get to the facilities at the training ground. It was a special situation because the fans were around.
 
"I was only there three days but they were training so well and I was impressed."
 
Benitez went on to become one of the most respected managers in world football - but he still looks back fondly on his time in Florence.
 
"I see how they are getting on in the Italian league and I have some friends at the coaching school in Florence. I have been there three or four times.
 
"I like the city and I like the people.
 
"For everyone in the city it will be amazing to see two of the best teams in Europe."