Rafael Benítez: Win league title or I’ve failed at Liverpool
Rafael Benítez has intimated for the first time that he will consider his reign as Liverpool
manager a failure unless he can deliver the league title back to Anfield.
It is approaching 20 years since Liverpool were last crowned champions of England and
Benítez, who became manager in June 2004, has conceded that even the Champions League
success he masterminded in 2005 would not remove the feeling of disappointment should he be
unable to guide the Merseyside club to Premier League glory.
“Anyone who knows me knows that I want to win every trophy, every game,” Benítez said.
“But if you ask me what I prefer, I will say the Premier League. If I do not win the title,
I’m sure I’d be so disappointed maybe I would have this feeling [of failure].”
Liverpool lie seventh in the league table, 11 points behind Chelsea, the leaders, and face
an uphill battle to get back into the title race, particularly after a poor run of form in
which they have won only once in their past nine matches in all competitions.
Their plight has been made even worse by their Champions League form — which has previously
served them so well under Benítez’s reign — deserting them to such effect that they are on
the verge of being eliminated at the group stage for the first time during the Spaniard’s
tenure.
But with demotion to the Europa League seemingly beckoning, Benítez admits that he is
struggling to come to terms with the fate seemingly awaiting Liverpool. “It’s not easy to
accept the situation,” Benítez said. “But it’s not the end of the world. We must keep
going.”
The Liverpool manager was heartened to discover yesterday that the injury crisis that has
deprived him of several first-team regulars in recent weeks is beginning to ease.
Steven Gerrard, Glen Johnson and Daniel Agger are back in training and expected to be
available for the visit of Manchester City to Anfield on Saturday, although Fernando Torres
’s groin problems are likely to keep him on the sidelines. Agger is OK,” Benítez said.
“He had a small problem with his back but he’s training. It was a very good decision from
Denmark’s manager [to withdraw Agger from the international squad] because he is much
better now. I think he’ll be OK for the weekend.
“Johnson has been training. Not full sessions, but training, so hopefully he’ll be OK for
the weekend, too. Gerrard is doing well. He finished a full training session today, so if he
can carry on, he’ll be OK as well.”
Gerrard confirmed his expected availability and will be welcomed back into the Liverpool
squad by his manager at a time when his talismanic presence and match-winning ability will
be greatly needed.
“I’ve had a problem in my groin that has taken a while to get over but I’m just relieved
a second injection seems to have done the trick,” Gerrard said. “It’s a case of so far,
so good and the aim now is to make sure I get a good week’s training under my belt so I’m
ready for the game with City.” |
发表于 2009-11-18 16:50:22
置顶卡
变色卡
千斤顶
显身卡
发表于 2009-11-18 20:32:54
