Liverpool F.C. was managed by a person
Liverpool F.C. . Under the management of Rafa Benítez and captained by Steven Gerrard Liverpool became European champion for the fifth time , winning the 2005 UEFA Champions League Final against Milan in spite of being 3 -- 0 down at half time . Rafael Benítez Maudes ( [ rafaˈel ˈrafa βeˈniteθ ˈmauðes ] ; born 16 April 1960 ) is a Spanish professional football coach who is the manager of Championship club Newcastle United .