A former Liverpool star pointed to one key decision for impacting his Reds career and discussed his time working under Rafa Benitez
Anthony Le Tallec (L) with Sami Hyypia and Michael Owen
A former Liverpool star reflected on his decision to leave the Reds(Image: STEVE PARKIN/AFP via Getty Images)
View 3 Images
Anthony Le Tallec spent several years on Liverpool’s books but felt his Reds career never recovered after requesting to leave in 2004. The 41-year-old was initially signed by Gerard Houllier and was viewed as one of France’s star prospects in 2001.
The teenage sensation was snapped up from Le Havre alongside Florent Sinama-Pongolle after lighting up the U17 World Cup. Remaining at his former club for two years, Le Tallec arrived at Anfield in 2003 and scored one in 23 appearances during Houllier’s final season.
The appointment of Rafa Benitez could have signalled fresh opportunities for Le Tallec at Liverpool. However, the forward was eager to play regularly and sealed a loan move to Saint-Etienne.
His return to France lasted only a few months as the Reds recalled him in January 2005. Le Tallec featured in the glorious Champions League campaign but also found he had quickly fallen down the Liverpool pecking order, which left him wondering what could have been.
Andoni Iraola agreement reached as Liverpool's biggest change becomes clear
In 2024, when asked about the biggest regret of his career, Le Tallec told L’Equipe: “For having asked Rafael Benitez to leave on loan (in July 2004). I was stupid and he was mad at me.
“I came back from Saint-Etienne in January because there were injuries at Liverpool and, at the end of the season, Benítez said to me: ‘’For me, you are crazy. You were one of the three attackers, now I put you in eighth place.’
“I was young, but he didn’t want to know anything and lent me every year. I blame him. My career could have been different, but that one thing was fatal for me.”
Anthony Le Tallec playing for Liverpool
Anthony Le Tallec played 32 games for Liverpool during his time at the club(Image: Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
View 3 Images
The timing of Le Tallec’s first loan exit came shortly before Michael Owen was sold to Real Madrid, with summer signing Djibril Cisse later breaking his leg. Milan Baros led the line as Liverpool youngsters Sinnama-Pongolle and Neil Mellor were given opportunities, while Fernando Morientes was signed in January.
The situation had already dawned on Le Tallec. Upon being recalled by Liverpool, he said: “Looking back now it was the wrong decision for me to have made. I should have stayed here and fought for my place. I'm young and I just wanted to play. I have taken over the number 13 shirt - hopefully it won't be unlucky for me!”
The 20-year-old made just seven appearances in the second half of the campaign, notably starring against Juventus in the Champions League quarter-finals. Benitez had previously tracked Le Tallec while in charge of Valencia but chose not to include him in his Champions League final squad; a decision that moved Le Tallec to tears.
Anthony Le Tallec of Liverpool
Le Tallec featured nine times for Liverpool under Rafa Benitez(Image: Ian Walton/Getty Images)
View 3 Images
FOLLOW OUR LIVERPOOL FC FACEBOOK PAGE!All the latest news and analysis from Anfield on the Liverpool Echo's dedicated LFC Facebook page
“In 2005, Benitez didn’t include me in the squad for the Champions League final. It made me cry,” Le Tallec admitted. “Harry Kewell came back from injury but was injured again after 20 minutes.
“I was in the stands during the final, but I didn’t celebrate the title in Istanbul or take part in the parade through Liverpool. I stayed at home, I was too sad.”
Le Tallec played just twice more for Liverpool, being loaned out to Sunderland, Sochaux and Le Mans before joining the latter for £1.1million in 2008. He spent the majority of his later career in France, last playing for Annecy in the third tier before hanging up his boots in 2021.