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Rafael Benitez is well on the way to being regarded as one of Liverpool Football Club's greatest ever managers after leading the Reds to two major trophies in his first two seasons in charge - an achievement never matched by any previous Anfield boss.
He arrived at Anfield in 2004 with an impressive track record as manager of Valencia, whom he twice led to La Liga glory in just three years and also guided them to UEFA Cup success.
Benitez was born in Madrid in April 1960 and during his days as a player had a spell with the mighty Real Madrid. He never played for Real though and spent most of his career in the lower leagues in Spain.
Coaching was always a big attraction for Rafa and he started coaching the youngsters at Real Madrid in 1986 where he was in charge of their youth team.
He returned as head coach of Second Division side Tenerife in 2000 and a year later began his remarkable success story with Valencia. His appointment as successor to Hector Cuper was met with mixed reaction and questioned by fans and pundits alike, but Benitez was to have the last laugh as Valencia won the league title.
More glory followed at the Mestalla before Rafa decided to embark on a new challenge in the summer of 2004 and succeed Gerard Houllier as manager of Liverpool.
He became the first Spaniard to take control of the managerial reigns at Anfield and wasted no time in proving what an astute appointment the board had made as he led the Reds to Champions League glory in Istanbul at the end of his first season in charge. A UEFA Super Cup was added 3 months later.
Another major trophy arrived the following season as Liverpool won the FA Cup with a thrilling penalty shoot-out victory over West Ham United at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.
Benitez reaffirmed his commitment to Liverpool by signing a new four year deal in June 2006.