Liverpool's Rafael Benitez: Arsenal 'have it all' and Arsene Wenger is a 'very good' manager

Spaniard has not met many good managers who are good losers...

10 Feb 2010 00:42:00

By Alan Dawson

More On :  Arsenal FC, Liverpool, Rafa Benítez, Arsène Wenger
EPL: Rafael Benitez, Stoke City - Liverpool (Getty Images)
Rafael Benitez has leapt to the defence of Arsene Wenger, his dugout sparring partner for Wednesday evening's clash between Liverpool and Arsenal, following criticism that the Frenchman does not know how to accept defeat without finding an "excuse."

The Gunners boss attracted negative comments from Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack after the Blues' 2-0 win over Arsenal on Sunday. Wenger claimed that, despite the loss, he had not seen a "demonstration of football." Ballack, upon hearing the revelation, commented: "[Wenger] always says things like this when he loses to find an excuse."

Don't Miss

Benitez is wary about an on-pitch backlash from Arsenal, and is not looking to twist the knife off the field.

"I don't know too many good managers who are good losers," he said to the Guardian.

"You cannot be a good manager if you are happy to lose; you have to work hard and you have to defend yourself if necessary. I think he has experience, he has his own personality and he is a very good manager.

"They have different kinds of players and the style of Arsenal is very clear but they have been very successful, too. They have a good manager with experience and they play nice football and can beat anyone so they have it all.

"They can take some risks and sometimes they break for them. Arsenal had 70 per cent of the possession against Chelsea and to me that is a lot.

"They had some chances too but they were losing from the first minute and that is not a normal situation. They were going forward and creating so I don't agree with the analysis that they were predictable and under control."

Follow Goal.com on Twitter

Follow Goal.com on Facebook
 
play pause open close
Inside Goal.Com
  1. Welbeck convinces Hodgson he is the man to lead the line Welbeck convinces Hodgson he is the man to lead the line

    England beat Norway 1-0 at Wembley, with the Manchester United man hitting an impressive winner to stake his claim for a starting spot at Euro 2012

  2. In Pictures: The best and worst kits at Euro 2012 In Pictures: The best and worst kits at Euro 2012

    The European Championship is just around the corner and Goal.com distinguishes between the trendy and the passe at the prestigious tournament

  3. The five players Rodgers could sign to kick-start revolution The five players Rodgers could sign to kick-start revolution

    The new Reds boss was unveiled to the press on Friday and must immediately begin work on revitalising a thin squad with some additions in the transfer market

  4. Managerial merry-go-round keeps spinning as Lambert takes Villa job Managerial merry-go-round keeps spinning as Lambert takes Villa job

    The Scot officially left Norwich City on Saturday to become the second new boss in June, following the appointment of Brendan Rodgers at Liverpool on Friday

  5. Rodgers ushers in new Anfield era on his own terms Rodgers ushers in new Anfield era on his own terms

    The Northern Irishman inevitably expressed his delight at landing the Reds job but evidenced plenty of the steely resolve which could see him become a success at Anfield