Use your head like Sadio and subscribe to the Liverpool FC newsletter Sign me up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy says Jose Mourinho was devastated when he was overlooked for the manager’s job at Anfield back in 2004.

Current Manchester United boss Mourinho, who at the time was in charge of FC Porto, wanted to be Gerard Houllier’s successor but the Reds’ hierarchy opted to appoint Rafa Benitez instead. Mourinho went on to take over at Chelsea instead.

Murphy told talkSPORT: “When Benitez was appointed at Liverpool, it was between him and Mourinho. I know that for a fact. Mourinho wanted the Liverpool job massively.

“But Liverpool basically went with Benitez, because he’d just won the Spanish league title and UEFA Cup with Valencia and they thought that was more solid an appointment than someone who had only done it in Portugal.

"I know Mourinho was massively disappointed.”

Steven Gerrard tells Clare Balding of his respect for Jose Mourinho

Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will start in 8 Cancel Play now

Murphy made 249 appearances for Liverpool between 1997 and 2004. He was sold to Charlton Athletic soon after Benitez’s arrival.

“I’m gutted too because Benitez came in and didn’t want me,” he joked.

“I’m just gutted it wasn’t Mourinho because he might have wanted me to stay!”