Rafael Benitez 'Manipulates' Liverpool Fans - Jamie Redknapp

Spaniard's spin hides his real incompetence...

23-Nov-2009 2:33:59 PM

More On :  Liverpool, Rafa Benítez
Rafael Benitez - Liverpool (Getty Images)

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has come under fire from former Reds midfielder Jamie Redknapp, who believes that the Spaniard's ability to use the media to influence fans has disguised just what a poor job he is actually doing.
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Liverpool face Debrecen in the Champions League this week with defeat meaning that they won't reach the knock-out phase of the competition. A derby date with Everton also looms.

"They have won one in 10 now and fans will be thinking. They are firmly behind him, though, he manipulates the fans, he gets them how he wants them," Redknapp told Sky Sports.

"But there comes a time, if they go out of Europe this week and then lose at Everton, that the fans are swayed and will say that we have to look at him now.

"That team is not really going anywhere. The problem you will get is that will Fernando Torres want to play in the Europa League? I don't think so.

"If they don't get into the top four at the end of this season, it will be a major problem.

"You have huge problems going on behind the scenes with the owners, but it is too easy to blame that. On the pitch the players are not playing well enough, that's a fact."

Benitez's side once again conceded a straightforward goal from a set-piece in their weekend draw at home to Manchester City and Redknapp feels that Liverpool's defensive system when facing dead balls needs sorting out.

"A few years ago zonal marking was the best format [for Liverpool] because they were one of the best defenders from set-pieces," he explained.

"But the reason for that was that they had Peter Crouch and Sami Hyypia, two guys who are 6ft 5in plus.

"It doesn't matter how you defend when the ball comes in, zonal or man-to-man, they will clear it. Now you have a situation where people are not taking responsibility.

"You might have to turn round and say that zonal isn't working, let's go man-for-man. At the moment he is giving players excuses, teams look at it and think they will score against Liverpool."

Zack Wilson

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