Recounting Tales from Steven Gerrard’s ‘Greatest Year’: Istanbul, Rafa Benitez & Cheese Sandwiches
Ned Boulting had the privilege of spending a year with Steven Gerrard for a Sky One documentary titled ‘Steven Gerrard: A Year in My Life’ back in 2006. The production involved Gerrard being followed by a camera crew throughout the 2005/06 season, with staff members and teammates all involved in giving an insight into the former No. 8’s life.
Speaking to This Is Anfield, Boulting recalled his encounters with Rafa Benitez, a man he spent a lot of time in the company of during the process. “The character from that squad that I got to know the best, by some distance, was Rafa Benitez,” Boulting explained.
Rafa Benitez: Slagging Off Players & Testing Confidences
Boulting described Benitez as someone who “loved an off-the-record briefing” and would often spend time after filming slagging off players and testing people’s confidences. “He was just floating these little things out there to see what you did with these nuggets of information. Whether or not you broke his confidence.”
The Post-Match Moment in Istanbul
Boulting also revealed that he was the first person to receive a hug from Benitez following Liverpool’s penalty shootout win over AC Milan in Istanbul. “I was standing right next to the Liverpool dugout effectively and Benitez, within seconds, turned around to hug somebody, anybody. It didn’t matter who it was and it happened to be me,” Boulting continued.
Benitez was well-known for never celebrating goals during his spell in charge, so it is great to hear that he allowed himself a moment on what was arguably the greatest night in the club’s history. “I almost got my ribs crushed by Rafa Benitez in that moment where it all came right for him!” Boulting said.
Conclusion
It is a fascinating story about a man who very rarely showed outward emotion during his time on the touchline at Anfield. Ned Boulting had the opportunity to experience some incredible moments with Steven Gerrard and Rafa Benitez during his time with them and it is clear that he cherishes those memories. You can watch our full interview with Ned Boulting here.