During his six years in charge of Liverpool, Gerard Houllier guided the team to six trophies, including the FA Cup, UEFA Cup and two League Cups.
Yet, the one trophy that the club really yearned for - the league title - eluded the Frenchman, who departed Anfield by mutual consent in 2004.
Having not won England's top division since 1990, the board were on the lookout for a manager that would not only end that drought, but also keep captain Steven Gerrard out of the clutches of Chelsea.
With no homegrown boss jumping out, the Reds once again looked overseas for a leader. A host of names were linked with the vacancy, but one man stood out from the crowd and he was confirmed as Houllier's replacement 11 years ago today.
During Rafael Benitez's three years at the helm of Valencia, the 44-year-old had seen Los Che win two La Liga titles and the UEFA Cup against a Didier Drogba-inspired Marseille.
Upon signing a five-year contract on Merseyside, the Spaniard said: "It is like a dream to be here. I am very, very proud to be joining one of the most important clubs in the world in one of the best leagues in the world and I want to win.
"The work of Gerard Houllier was very good but each manager has his own ideas. I think I can teach something different. I have come here to win, and my players have to have the same mentality.
"I am young, I want to win lots of matches and in the right way. I hope the players think like us that it is possible to win titles. I want the supporters to be proud of the team, of the manager, of the players, of the club."
Chief executive Rick Parry added: "Benitez clearly wanted to come to Liverpool and that shone out in every conversation we had. He is young, enthusiastic and hungry for success."
Not only did Gerrard stay - although it would appear that Benitez's role in this was limited - his first season would end with Liverpool lifting a fifth European title when they won a dramatic Champions League final against AC Milan on penalties in Istanbul.
The FA Cup would follow - again thanks to a penalty shootout victory over West Ham United - the season after, but despite that bright start to his tenure, it would be the last trophy that Liverpool won under Benitez's management prior to his departure in the summer of 2010.
Liam Apicella
