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Patrik Berger calls for Liverpool to dump Rafael Benitez

Former Red wants managerial change at Anfield

24 Nov 2009 22:02:19

Rafael Benitez - Liverpool (Getty Images)

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Rafael Benitez - Liverpool (Getty Images)

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By Adrian Fisk

Former Liverpool midfielder Patrik Berger has called for Rafael Benitez to be relieved of his position as manager of the club.

With the Merseysiders struggling in both the Premier League and Champions League, Berger thinks the time for change has finally come.

"He [Rafael Benitez] did ever so well for Liverpool but in my opinion, for him time is up and they should change their manager as soon as possible," he told BBC Radio 5 Live.

The one-time Czech international points to the fact that Liverpool have failed to build on last season’s title challenge and look increasingly unlikely to collect any silverware this time around.

"In my opinion, Liverpool are not as strong as they were last year or the year before and do not look a side who can win either the Premier League or Champions League.”

Berger conceded that Liverpool can field a more than capable first team, but believes the squad lacks strength in depth and that there is an over reliance on one or two key individuals.

"If they have all the top players fit, the starting XI is very strong - but as soon as they lose two or three, they don't really have the same quality as when they had Craig Bellamy, Peter Crouch or Robbie Keane on the bench.

“They really rely on the starting XI, if they get a few injuries they are struggling. If they don't have a Steven Gerrard or [Fernando] Torres up front they really look, to me, an average side."

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