The Frenchman joined Liverpool alongside compatriot Florent Sinama-Pongolle in 2001, both touted as rising stars after impressing at the Under-17 World Cup. However, Le Tallec’s Anfield journey didn’t pan out as expected.
Initially signed by Gerard Houllier, Le Tallec made 23 appearances in his debut season in 2003/04 but struggled for game time under Benitez, who succeeded Houllier.
However, with Benitez looking to integrate Le Tallec into the Liverpool setup, the younger man insisted on a move away and he was eventually loaned to Saint-Etienne in 2004
Benitez acknowledged the pair’s potential, revealing, “We knew Le Tallec was the best player in the Under-17 World Cup, and Sinama was the top scorer. They need to play at this level to gain confidence.”
Yet, Le Tallec’s plea for a loan move angered the Spaniard. “For having asked Rafael Benitez to leave on loan, I was stupid, and he was mad at me,” Le Tallec told L’Equipe.
“I came back in January because there were injuries, but Benitez said, ‘You were one of the three attackers; now I put you in eighth place.’”
Le Tallec returned briefly, contributing to Liverpool’s 2005 Champions League campaign by assisting Luis Garcia’s famous goal against Juventus.
But heartbreak followed when Benitez omitted him from the final squad. “I cried,” he admitted. “I didn’t celebrate the title in Istanbul or join the parade. I was too sad.”
Further signings, including Peter Crouch, pushed Le Tallec down the pecking order. Reflecting on his career, he lamented, “I blame him. My career could have been different, but that one thing was fatal for me.”