TIME FOR RAFA BENITEZ TO STEP UP
Liverpool boss deserves another shot at the title
WE will soon find out if Rafael Benitez is man or myth.
Early this year, this column argued that unless Liverpool won the Premier League this season - or at least came within kissing distance - then Benitez should be replaced by Jose Mourinho.
I stand by that, but if five points adrift behind Manchester United qualifies as a snog with the title for Kopites, then I suppose Benitez deserves another crack.
Benitez has made sure of that with his new deal at Anfield which gives him five more years, in theory.
After today's anti-climax to a trophy-less season, it's the next five weeks that matter.
Intrinsic to Benitez's improved contract is his total control of transfer policy. That's a big gamble by the American banks who ultimately own the club.
If you ignore last summer's fiasco when Robbie Keane (agreed by former chief exec Rick Parry but not by Benitez) was signed and Gareth Barry (wanted by Benitez but not agreed by Parry) was not, then consider the manager's other signings. A dud left-back in Andrea Dossena for £7million and inert midfielder Lucas for £6m.
While I think Barry is a terrific player, I just can't understand why Benitez still wants to sign him but then sell Xabi Alonso, when sorting out his full-backs is a more pressing issue.
There is a strong case that Alonso has been Liverpool's top player ahead of Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres.
Of course, the Gerrard/Torres axis is not just the heart but the brain and, with Jamie Carragher, the balls of Liverpool. Had Gerrard and Torres started more than 12 league games together this season, then Liverpool would have won the title.
So it's fundamental for Benitez to find top-class cover for both. However, if Benitez thinks that signing Carlos Tevez and in so doing managing to spite Alex Ferguson is the answer, it will reveal a significant flaw in him.
Given the system that Liverpool use, Tevez would just get in the way of Gerrard and Torres. He wouldn't be able to lead the line on his own. He sulks when left on the bench. And for all his teamwork, Tevez has notched just five league goals for United this season.
Benitez sometimes likes to cut off his nose to spite his face, as proved when he left Keane on the bench in that draw against Stoke in January to make sure he went back to Spurs. But pursuing Tevez just to annoy Fergie would be plain daft.
If Benitez really wants a United reject up front, he should sign Diego Forlan instead.
I realise Forlan was a lightweight at Old Trafford but second time around I think the Uruguayan might just be the missing link for Liverpool. After all, he scored 28 goals in 31 La Liga games for Atletico Madrid this season.
If not Forlan, then Torres's amigo David Villa, whom debt-ridden Valencia must sell.
Now is the time for Benitez to prove he is a proper gaffer and make top signings, not offer big statements.
Now get the News of World print edition for more from Rob Shepherd
This article has 8 comments
Shep,
Torres and Villa did not combine that well for Spain. Forlan is a definate no no. He wouldn't be able to score that many goals in the Premier League. Torres and Tevez would be a lively combination. Benitez has not gone for Tevez to spite Sir Alec. Benitez had tried to sign Tevez before United got him.
By Yinka. Posted May 31 2009 at 3:28 PM.
Im sure when I checked the League Table Liverpool finished 4 points, not 5, behind United. Also Lucas was not bought last summer, surely these are mistakes a 'top' journalist shouldn't be making hmmmm.
Regardless I agree that Tevez is the not the answer, he is unhappy at United for being on the bench which is the same situation he will find himself in on Mersyside. However it is known that Benitez favours the 'grafter' type of player as opposed to a flair player. Forlan is someone I would love to see back in the Premiership, I don't think he was given a fair shot at it when at United but has looked the real deal in La Liga.
By Biz. Posted May 24 2009 at 9:11 PM.
At times I think Rafa is the best manager I have ever seen then sometimes see him as the worst of all! All he should do is sign Barry,let Xabi stay n get rid of Lucas. He also has to have modern day fullbacks like Shakhtar's Srna n another left back n recruit the Nemeths,Pachecos n Brouwers as 2nd string strikers;thats all Liverpool need. But as I have said Rafa is so much unpredictable...!
By Issa. Posted May 24 2009 at 2:57 PM.
Totally agree with Art's comments. It really annoys me when I hear all these 'ifs and buts' regarding liverpool, and how they would have won they league if this, that, or the other had happened. Well how about if Man Utd had had Hargreaves fit all season? What if Rio had been fit in January? What if Rooney hadn't been injured for a month, in Oct/Nov? If you take these into account, maybe we would've wrapped it up sooner, hmm? Chelsea could say the same thing about Essien or carvalho too. The FACT is that Liverpool didn't win it because they weren't ruthless enough and drew 7 TIMES at home, whilst Man Utd have drawn 6 games ALL SEASON!
By Howie D. Posted May 24 2009 at 1:53 PM.
Had Gerrard and Torres started more than 12 league games together this season, then Liverpool would have won the title.
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Says who???? They played most of the previous season and they couldn't win it. THAT is a fact. This is just an opinion. Could have, Should have, Would have.
The team simply wasn't good enough and they lost it in the middle of the season when both Gerrard and Torres WERE playing.
By Art. Posted May 24 2009 at 9:20 AM.
SHEP says don't sign Tevez because he will get in the way of the Gerrard and Torres combination?? So would Villa and Forlan!! there all strikers moron!!. David Silva would be able to fit into Rafa's system along side SG and FT.
By GAMBINO. Posted May 24 2009 at 3:15 AM.
"I just can't understand why Benitez still wants to sign him but then sell Xabi Alonso"
I can solve the mystery for you Shep.
If we buy a player for second striker position we will move Gerrard to central midfield. A sweeping defensive midfilder slot is a must and is kept by Mascherano so Alonso would compete with Gerrard. And there can be only one winer.
I admire Alonso, but - assuming we'll buy a good striker - he can stay only if he accepts less games next season. Which is very unlikely, cos he can be a key player in Real Madrid.
And Barry - altought overally little bit worse player - is better for us cos he can cover left midfield, central midfield and left back if necessary
And gives us extra L10mln.
That is why.
I hope I was helpful.
Amin
By Amin Mirghani. Posted May 24 2009 at 2:37 AM.
Yes, let's rip it all up and get Mourinho in. Idiotic thinking. Mourinho's nothing without a massive budget.
By Jon. Posted May 24 2009 at 1:54 AM.