RAFA ADMITS FAULT
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez accepts it is up to him to sort out his side's tactical problems and get their Barclays Premier League title challenge back on track.
Many critics have pointed to the Spaniard's infamous rotation policy for having caused a number of disjointed performances, while an international break immediately after that Derby victory certainly cost them momentum.
And while it has been noted Liverpool's difficult period appears to have coincided with the departure of fitness coach and assistant manager Pako Ayesteran, Benitez stressed the only person responsible was himself.
The Spanish tactician accepts that tactics are very much his domain and he is more than willing to accept responsibility for his side's recent demise.
"The problem is a tactical problem and it is my problem," said Benitez, who after this recent international break now has to get his side ready for a Merseyside derby at Goodison Park on Saturday.
"Confidence (of the squad) is also an issue but not the physical condition of the players. We are running more and faster than before."
Benitez feels that the criticism aimed at club captain is unfair and that the whole team are not on top of their game, not just captain Steven Gerrard.
"I am really worried about the team over the past few games, because we are not playing at our level," he explained on liverpoolfc.tv. "You can talk about Steven Gerrard, because he is the captain, but you can talk about the other players also.
"I was disappointed when people were talking about Sissoko and Leto after the Marseille game. So I say the team is not playing well and you cannot pick out one player. It is the same situation with Steve. He needs to keep working and you could see the other day during the game that he was working hard. The team is working hard so we need to improve tactically and we need to improve our confidence."
"I think all of the players want to play. Some have injuries but when I see them in the dressing room or in the corridor all of them say, 'I am ready if you want'. You know they want to play," he added.
Meanwhile Peter Beardsley has spoken of his respect for the way Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez goes about his business.
The former Kop idol, who scored 60 goals in 177 appearances between 1987 and 1991, believes the Spaniard's style is becoming all too rare in modern football.
"Rafael Benitez is doing a good job," said Beardsley. "People are always asking him about his changes even though he's proved he's a winner.
"I love his style, he never makes excuses and he'll say if he gets something wrong."
Editor's Notes
Liverpool's recent slump in form seems to be the talk of the town. The media has linked it to Rafa's consistent probing and shuffling of his line-up.
It doesn't help that his assistant, Pako Ayesteran's departure coincide with the loss in confidence of the team. However one must note that this is not a new practice by the gaffer.
Did anyone make a fuss when his tinkering brought Liverpool their fifth European Champions silverware? Maybe they claim it was with some help from ladyluck but getting to the finals twice in three years requires more then just luck.
Rafa's coming out to admit his tactical errors was perhaps more than not is to shield his players from further criticisms from the public. Pako's departure hasn't certainly help as I reckon Rafa has been carrying more workloads than he should.
If anyone is to be blame, it should be the players. They are professionals ridiculously paid to do a job regardless of what tactical methods instructed on the field of play. Just putting on the colors of Liverpool should be a motivation for them, wearing the Liver upon their chest.
Having said all that, Liverpool are usually slow starters but it can be said as an improvement this time round, with the team still unbeaten in the Premiere League.
The media has been questioning Rafa's priority over the last few seasons. Maybe this season he is in fact gunning for the EPL. Who's to bet that Liverpool might even go through the whole season unbeaten?
Its encouraging also that some of the past players are pledging their support to Rafa. Its still early days yet and Rafa is just preparing his squad for the long marathon.
Many critics have pointed to the Spaniard's infamous rotation policy for having caused a number of disjointed performances, while an international break immediately after that Derby victory certainly cost them momentum.
And while it has been noted Liverpool's difficult period appears to have coincided with the departure of fitness coach and assistant manager Pako Ayesteran, Benitez stressed the only person responsible was himself.
The Spanish tactician accepts that tactics are very much his domain and he is more than willing to accept responsibility for his side's recent demise.
"The problem is a tactical problem and it is my problem," said Benitez, who after this recent international break now has to get his side ready for a Merseyside derby at Goodison Park on Saturday.
"Confidence (of the squad) is also an issue but not the physical condition of the players. We are running more and faster than before."
Benitez feels that the criticism aimed at club captain is unfair and that the whole team are not on top of their game, not just captain Steven Gerrard."I am really worried about the team over the past few games, because we are not playing at our level," he explained on liverpoolfc.tv. "You can talk about Steven Gerrard, because he is the captain, but you can talk about the other players also.
"I was disappointed when people were talking about Sissoko and Leto after the Marseille game. So I say the team is not playing well and you cannot pick out one player. It is the same situation with Steve. He needs to keep working and you could see the other day during the game that he was working hard. The team is working hard so we need to improve tactically and we need to improve our confidence."
"I think all of the players want to play. Some have injuries but when I see them in the dressing room or in the corridor all of them say, 'I am ready if you want'. You know they want to play," he added.
Meanwhile Peter Beardsley has spoken of his respect for the way Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez goes about his business.
The former Kop idol, who scored 60 goals in 177 appearances between 1987 and 1991, believes the Spaniard's style is becoming all too rare in modern football.
"Rafael Benitez is doing a good job," said Beardsley. "People are always asking him about his changes even though he's proved he's a winner.
"I love his style, he never makes excuses and he'll say if he gets something wrong."
Editor's Notes
Liverpool's recent slump in form seems to be the talk of the town. The media has linked it to Rafa's consistent probing and shuffling of his line-up.
It doesn't help that his assistant, Pako Ayesteran's departure coincide with the loss in confidence of the team. However one must note that this is not a new practice by the gaffer.
Did anyone make a fuss when his tinkering brought Liverpool their fifth European Champions silverware? Maybe they claim it was with some help from ladyluck but getting to the finals twice in three years requires more then just luck.
Rafa's coming out to admit his tactical errors was perhaps more than not is to shield his players from further criticisms from the public. Pako's departure hasn't certainly help as I reckon Rafa has been carrying more workloads than he should.If anyone is to be blame, it should be the players. They are professionals ridiculously paid to do a job regardless of what tactical methods instructed on the field of play. Just putting on the colors of Liverpool should be a motivation for them, wearing the Liver upon their chest.
Having said all that, Liverpool are usually slow starters but it can be said as an improvement this time round, with the team still unbeaten in the Premiere League.
The media has been questioning Rafa's priority over the last few seasons. Maybe this season he is in fact gunning for the EPL. Who's to bet that Liverpool might even go through the whole season unbeaten?
Its encouraging also that some of the past players are pledging their support to Rafa. Its still early days yet and Rafa is just preparing his squad for the long marathon.
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