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Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez backs Ryan Babel to do well at Anfield
Torres and Johnson remain sidelined until March...
4 Feb 2010 08:49:00
By Adithya Ananth
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has backed Ryan Babel to succeed at Anfield, despite the heavy speculation surrounding the player's future at the Merseyside club.
The disgruntled Dutchman was tipped to make a move to greener pastures last month after receiving only sparing amounts of time on the pitch, but remained with the Reds after multiple bids from Birmingham City were turned down.
The Spaniard consequently believes that the speculation concerning the future of the ex-Ajax player has taken a toll on his form, thereby fanning the flames of what could otherwise have been a blip.
"If we play without the speculation surrounding Ryan Babel then I am sure it will be easier for him to focus and for me to play him," Benitez said, according to Sporting Life.
"So I think we will be better in attack and the team will be better."
The former Valencia boss maintained that defender Glen Johnson and striker Fernando Torres are expected to remain on the sidelines at least until March, while Yossi Benayoun is to return in a fortnight's time.
"Glen is still progressing," added Benitez. "It's looking like he will be back in another three or four weeks. When he was first ruled out, it looked like he would be out for two months and it has been a month so far.
"Fernando is progressing too. Hopefully he will be back in the same time, while Yossi could return in two weeks."
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The disgruntled Dutchman was tipped to make a move to greener pastures last month after receiving only sparing amounts of time on the pitch, but remained with the Reds after multiple bids from Birmingham City were turned down.
The Spaniard consequently believes that the speculation concerning the future of the ex-Ajax player has taken a toll on his form, thereby fanning the flames of what could otherwise have been a blip.
"If we play without the speculation surrounding Ryan Babel then I am sure it will be easier for him to focus and for me to play him," Benitez said, according to Sporting Life.
"So I think we will be better in attack and the team will be better."
The former Valencia boss maintained that defender Glen Johnson and striker Fernando Torres are expected to remain on the sidelines at least until March, while Yossi Benayoun is to return in a fortnight's time.
"Glen is still progressing," added Benitez. "It's looking like he will be back in another three or four weeks. When he was first ruled out, it looked like he would be out for two months and it has been a month so far.
"Fernando is progressing too. Hopefully he will be back in the same time, while Yossi could return in two weeks."
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| Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
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| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
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| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
| Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
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