Benitez loses the plot as Liverpool sink to new depths

Rafa Benitez is under pressure to keep his job, but some fans remain by his side (The Telegraph)


Containing six defenders and two defensive midfielders, creative midfielders on the bench, and the enigmatic winger Ryan Babel left out of the squad against Stoke, it is no wonder Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez is having very little confidence in his side.

The Reds drew 1-1 against Stoke at the Britannia in a game devoid of any quality and imagination from either team. Both sides almost ping-ponged long balls aimlessly in periods during the first and second halves in what would be a quckly forgettable game.

Sotirios Kyrgiakos bundled in to put Liverpool in front before Robert Huth tapped in at the far post from an aimless punt into the box found its way towards the German.

Chris Waddle said on the BBC Sport website that without Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard, Liverpool are an ordinary team. And yes, on many occasions that has proven to be the case. Waddle also mentioned that the wingers in Benitez's favoured 4-2-3-1 formation provide very little impact. Many fans and pundits do question the Spaniard's decision-making, particularly on transfers. This goes back to 2004 when he joined the club.

Liverpool have seen ordinary players, at best, come and play for the Anfield club. Antonio Nunez, Mauricio Pellegrino, Lucas, Fernando Morientes, Mark Gonzalez, Jan Kromkamp, Andriy Voronin, Jermaine Pennant are many examples that have plied their trade for Liverpool and have flattered to deceive at the best of times.

Some can say it is managerial flaws adopting a stagnant defensive approach and a great lack of attacking width and penetration. Whilst the spine of the current side is still relatively strong, a lack of player faith has often been a recurring theme with Rafa Benitez.

He sold Robbie Keane just before the transfer window closed last January for a fee believed to be around £10m, only half of the money received from his £20m transfer from Tottenham only six months prior. £20m summer signing Alberto Aquilani has hardly featured, and when he has, Benitez has put him in a defensive midfield role that does not seem to suit his style of play as a forward-thinking player. And Ryan Babel has had a torrid time. The only player that has a great deal of potential, and more importantly pace, is currently out of Rafa's first-team plans and has been since he signed from Ajax in 2007.

Will he be sacked? Only time will tell, as it is believed the owners will have to compensate the Spanaird to the tune of some £20m to remove him from his post. They better swap him for Robbie Keane then.