Benitez emulating Shankly

There are signs that Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is following in the footsteps of great Reds manager Bill Shankly, according to Ian Callaghan.

Callaghan, who played under Shankly during his 18 year spell at the club between 1960 and 1978, say Benitez is making fantastic progress with the club and reminds him of how Shankly turned the club around in the middle of last century.

‘œA lot of progress has been made over the past five years and Rafa is emerging as a fantastic manager in the club’s history,’ he said.

‘œI really admire him and what he has achieved so far is exceptional.

‘œHe has won the Champions League and the FA Cup, got to another Champions League final and just missed out on the title.

‘œLike Bill Shankly, Rafa is a strong personality but you can’t really compare them,’ Callaghan said.

‘œNo disrespect to Rafa, but there will only ever be one Bill Shankly.

‘œIt took Shankly a few seasons to get what he wanted but he changed everything. Liverpool are where they are today thanks to him.

‘œI would love to see Rafa go on to emulate what Shanks achieved.

‘œIt’s been far too long since the club won the title and hopefully Steven Gerrard will finally get his hands on the trophy next season.’