Preorder, on sale August 20th, 2o26

By Sergio Andres Medina

Spanish Liverpool tells the inside story of Rafa Benítez’s reign at Liverpool and the Scouse-Spanish links it fostered that still exist today.

This insightful book gives a uniquely Spanish perspective on the six seasons following the appointment of the Premier League’s first manager from Spain, not only from Benítez himself but from the players and coaching staff he brought with him, and from the many people back home who followed the adventure with growing fascination.

The chapters revisit the Miracle of Istanbul which saw the club launch a comeback for the ages to become champions of Europe in thrilling fashion in 2005 – an almost cinematic crescendo. Author Sergio Andres Medina also details the recruitment of key Spanish players (Xabi Alonso, Pepe Reina, Fernando Torres, Alvaro Arbeloa, among others).

The book balances tactics with human stories: the chemistry between stars, the pressure of title races, the club politics, and the emotional toll of playing on the edge every week. We see how Benitez’s approach modernised the club and opened the Premier League’s doors to overseas talent.

Fans will learn what the president of Real Madrid said to ruffle Rafa’s feathers before the epic 2009 Champions League tie, what Benítez really thought about José Mourinho and Sir Alex Ferguson, and why he doubled down on that infamous ‘facts’ press conference – and why Steven Gerrard was a ‘Galactico’ for Liverpool’s Spanish stars.

Spanish Liverpool is a must for any Liverpool fan interested in what really happened behind the scenes during one of the most fascinating periods of the club’s history.