Abby Brammell

By John Edwards

Unhappy: Out-of-favour Albert Riera called Benitez's credentials as a manager into question


Rafa Benitez's demands for a show of loyalty from his players were thrown back in his face by Albert Riera.

The Liverpool boss hailed a show of loyalty from goalkeeper Pepe Reina yesterday and called for others to follow suit and put an end to any suggestions of dressing-room unrest.

But his rallying call, on the eve of tonight's Europa League last-16 return leg with Lille at Anfield, was ignored by out-of-favour winger Riera, who called Benitez's credentials as a manager into question, saying: 'We have never played nice football.

It has been effective, yes, but we have not played brilliantly.

'When you stop being important for the coach it has to be something personal. If I am doing things badly and you are my boss and you value me, you are going to tell me what I have to do to get back playing. That is what hurts me. It is a lack of tact.

'It seems strange that being Spanish there should be a problem with communication.

'I have been here two years and he has never sorted out a situation with a player by talking to him. He thinks that it is him in charge and he is deaf to everything else. The dialogue is practically nil.

'This year has been difficult and he has changed nothing. When you see that the boat is sinking and you don't change anything...'


Safe hands: Liverpool keeper is ready to commit to a new long-term dea


The Liverpool manager had openly criticised his players' demeanour and demanded a more positive approach.

The 1-0 defeat in Lille last Thursday did not help team spirit, but he welcomed an imminent breakthrough in contract talks with Reina.


The Liverpool keeper is ready to commit to a new long-term deal despite uncertainty over finances and ownership at Anfield. Benitez sees him as a standard-bearer for club unity.

With Javier Mascherano yet to resolve his long-term future and Fernando Torres airing his concerns over Liverpool's current plight by calling for a high-level recruitment drive in the summer, Reina's declaration of intent could not have been more timely.
'Pepe and his family are very happy here, and he is settled,' said Benitez. 'He's a great character who loves the fans and they love him, so everything is good for him.

'It is important to show that sort of commitment. Maybe it can be an example for the other players. If so, that would make it easier to talk about the future of the club.'

Reina confirmed he was about to sign a new long-term agreement and urged Liverpool followers to recreate the atmosphere normally reserved for Champions League nights against Lille.

'I am going to stay longer, and there should be an announcement in the next few weeks,' he said. 'I am really happy with the club and they seem happy with me.

'The Lille game is massive for us because it is the last option for a trophy.

'It is going to be really tough for us now, after losing in France, because it allows them to play to their strengths, to defend deep and then attack on the counter.'


Making a point: Dirk Kuyt and Steven Gerrard in training



Elimination would leave Liverpool with nothing to play for, other than an uphill struggle for fourth place, but Benitez insisted he should not be condemned on the evidence of one bad season.

'The long-term future of the club matters too much for judgments to be made on one season, good or bad,' he said. 'My responsibility is to focus on preparing the team for each game, rather than think about my position and whether I will still be here next season.

'If you have a bad season, it is really disappointing for everyone, but this happens at lots of clubs.'

Liverpool have set a deadline of Easter Monday for offers of new investment, while Benitez brushed aside any worries over Steven Gerrard, who was cleared of swinging a forearm at Portsmouth midfielder Michael Brown, just as he escaped punishment for an apparent V-sign towards referee Andre Marriner against Wigan a week earlier.

'The rules are very clear and because the referee saw the incident against Portsmouth, it could not go any further,' he said. 'These things can happen in a game and I don't think there is any frustration in Steven's play.'

Alberto Aquilani looks certain to be ruled out with a virus


source: dailymail