Former Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez was surprised that he was not approached about the vacant manager's position at Anfield.

The 53-year-old, who guided Liverpool to both FA Cup and Champions League success, also believes his appointment would have been well received by the Liverpool faithful.

"It was strange not to be approached," he told the Irish Independent.

"We know the club, the players, the Academy and we have even more experience now...the fans were positive about the idea."

Benitez left the Merseyside club by mutual consent during the summer of 2010 after they finished seventh, missing out on a Champions League place.

But despite the sour manner in which his time at Anfield ended, Benitez was quick to point out what he achieved during his six-year reign.

He added: "We used to play so many important games that it seemed it was normal and it wasn't.

"People were talking about 'the past', but just a few years ago Liverpool FC was number one in Europe."