Standard Chartered ‘The Reds Roundtable’: Special Episode With Gerrard, Benitez And Hyypiä
(Press Release)
In a very special edition of ‘The Reds Roundtable’, Liverpool legends Steven Gerrard and Sami Hyypiä reunite with former boss Rafa Benitez to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the club’s unforgettable Champions League triumph in Istanbul.
Together they revisit one of the greatest nights in Liverpool FC’s footballing history – the dramatic 2005 Champions League comeback in which the club earned its fifth European Cup.
Reflecting on that famous night, Gerrard said: “The big moments we shared together, it affected so many lives especially here in the city, the country and beyond. To leave a legacy that we did is obviously a very proud feeling… I wish I could do it all again. I wouldn’t want to lose those special moments, I wouldn’t want them to be taken away, to start again. In terms of how lucky I was to live the dream as a Liverpool player; I’d go back to 17 years of age tomorrow.”
Presented by principal partner Standard Chartered and hosted by Reds fan Vicky Gomersall, the roundtable takes place inside Liverpool’s historic St George’s Hall draped in LFC banners – a fitting backdrop for a conversation steeped in legacy, emotion and reflection.
Gerrard also paid tribute to Benitez’s leadership throughout the European campaign, insisting: “I’m not saying this because he’s sitting next to me, but the job that Rafa did in terms of where he took that team, the level of ability across the squad. For Rafa to guide us to win that European Cup is probably one of the best jobs you’ll see.”
Benitez in turn praised Gerrard as the best he’s ever coached, adding: “They’ve asked me so many times which is the best player you’ve already coached. I have Ronaldo, Eto’o, Hazard, and always I say Stevie. Why? Because he has the potential so always when I explain, he was good in the air, he has power, pace and technical ability was good. As a player he was the best player I have coached because he has everything... he was more complete.”
Presented by Standard Chartered, ‘The Reds Roundtable’ series champions resilience, ambition and legacy, offering fans rare insights from inside the game. Watch the full episode above and check out the first three episodes on Liverpool FC’s YouTube channel.
About Liverpool Football Club
- Founded in 1892, Liverpool FC is one of the world’s most historic and famous football clubs, having won 19 League Titles, including the Premier League, eight FA Cups, 10 League Cups, six European Cups, three UEFA Cups, four European Super Cups, 16 Charity Shields, two Women’s Super League titles and one Women’s Championship.
- As a socially responsible Club, Liverpool FC is proud of the work it does via the award-winning The Red Way, its ongoing commitment to creating a better future for its people, its planet and its communities. This includes efforts to improve club-wide sustainability, enhance Equality, Diversity & Inclusion in all areas, and create life changing opportunities for children and young people in Merseyside and beyond thanks to its official charity, LFC Foundation.