English for Dummies: RANT

The press once again, presumably in an attempt to ‘sensationalise’ their articles, have been over indulging in phrases that do not accurately describe their stories. Recent point in quote is the Guardians article entitled “Kenny Dalglish begins his second coming at Liverpool with a rant”

‘Rant’, as previous boss Rafael Benitez knows all too well, is a word that has been over-used in describing Liverpool manager’s press conferences. Incredibly, even with my failed ‘O’ level, I knew better then the journalists (with their fancy degrees), on the correct usage of the word. So, wanting to help in any way possible, I decided to post a series of ‘Quick Help’ guides, to journalists who are unable to discern the ‘truth’ from ‘sensationalism’. A sort of 'English for Dummies' if you will.

Step 1 in this series is:

RANT
v. rant·ed, rant·ing, rants
v.intr.
To speak or write in an angry or violent manner; rave.
v.tr.
To utter or express with violence or extravagance: a dictator who ranted his vitriol onto a captive audience.
n.
1. Violent or extravagant speech or writing.
2. A speech or piece of writing that incites anger or violence:
3. A criticism done by ranting; A wild, incoherent, emotional articulation; To speak or shout at length in an uncontrollable anger; To criticize by ranting.
4. A rant is a speech or text that does not present a well-researched and calm argument; rather, it is typically an attack on an idea, a person or an institution. Very often rants lack proven claims. Such attacks are usually personal attacks.


With this in mind, you can view Kenny Dalglish's recent aforementioned 'rant' here

“I’m mad as hell and I’m not going to take it anymore”

Rafael Benitez still clearly casts a long shadow of Liverpool football club and even the Premier League. His comments yesterday, following Roy Hodgson’s accusations that he barred Kop legend Kenny Dalglish from Melwood training ground, have been lampooned in the press once more. Indeed it is a strange position that current boss Roy Hodgson finds himself in, in that his predecessor gains more press headlines then himself. Hodgson, during his pre match conference at the weekend said: “When it was mooted the club wanted me for the job I made it clear to Kenny I wanted him on board and it wouldn’t be like it was with Benítez where you are here in name but never allowed to set foot into Melwood and we don’t want anything to do with you.”

Rafa, who was instrumental in bringing Dalglish back to Anfield, was forced to address the issue yesterday, after repeated questions from the media asking for his opinion on Roy’s comments. Not surprisingly this has been laughed off by the press like it’s the latest rants of a loon who can’t stop having a pop at people. Well if you repeatedly ask the question, then feign surprise at the answer, there is clearly an agenda in place and a myth to perpetuate. The press’s latest reporting of Rafa’s suggestion that “some people cannot see a priest on a mountain of sugar.” has been met with smirks, puzzlement and bemusement. Although evidently aimed at Hodgson, the comment should also ironically apply to the press, as they’re clearly unable to spot the truth even when it stares them straight in the face. Undoubtedly the statement refers to the ease with which the priest's black robes can be spotted against the white of the mountain of sugar. Simple. However an agenda driven, xenophobic British press would prefer to laugh at the Spaniards latest attempt to educate them in Spanish colloquialisms.

Indeed the press failed to reports Hodgson own xenophobia recently when following the Merseyside Derby. A journalist from Scandinavia suggested Liverpool’s lack of goals was clearly because there was no supply line to Torres.
Hodgson asked: “Are you from Denmark?”
“No, Norway,” replied the visitor.
“Ah, two countries I never want to work in again,” replied Hodgson.

How was this insulting, dare I say racist comment greeted by the press? Martin Samuel reporting for the Daily Mail called Hodgson ‘chippy’
It’s clear the foreign press has a better understanding of Liverpool then the British press, and the British press is happy to let this type of comment slip because they ‘like’ Roy.

Hodgson who has said one ludicrous comment after another, whilst in charge of the Reds has gone from insulting the fans with his comment: "The protest does not help but it is something I have had to live with since I came to the club," to calling the win at Bolton a “famous victory”.

Not a peep from the press though. They continually call for him to have more time whilst he re-builds the wreck of a club left by big spending Benitez. Indeed, such is the absurd myth surrounding how brilliant Hodgson is, Bolton boss Owen Coyle recently laughably claimed: “He is an elite coach in the world of football.”

However all these comments are reported on in complete seriousness without a hint of irony. So when Rafael Benitez enters the frame and is asked to answer the lies uttered by Hodgson, this is how it’s reported:

The Telegraph says:
“Inter Milan manager Rafael Benítez launches tirade at Liverpool manager Roy HodgsonForget the “facts”, forget the “milk”. This was the Rafa rant to end all Rafa rants. The evening the former Liverpool manager unceremoniously turned on his successor, Roy Hodgson”

Incredibly the ex boss still has an intuitive relationship with Liverpool fans, something Hodgson will never have. Most appear to support him over our current boss. Benitez, speaking about Roy Hodgson’s press conferences last night, said: "Every single press conference is even worse than the last one. He's talking about things that he doesn't know.”

"Maybe he hasn't been in Liverpool too long. We gave the fans their pride - again. We fought for the fans, we fought for the club and we fought for our players.”

Well now its time to fight for him.

Rafa's statement was a call to arms for the fans. Benitez has had to endure a dishonourable few months as accusations from the media, experts, ex players, Premiership managers, ex owners, ex managers, and yes, sadly even our own fans, try to revise his history as manager of Liverpool FC.

The 1976 classic film ‘Network’ satires a generation of people who have become lethargic, complacent and whose minds have become softened by the seduction of the media. Its main character Howard Beale in its most famous scene proclaims: “I’m mad as hell and I’m not going to take it anymore,” and it’s time for fans to do the same. The Madrid born manager understands the city of Liverpool and its fans, and he has not stopped fighting for this club, even now as he manages Inter Milan. So neither should the fans.

Some fans state that Benitez should keep quiet, but why should he have to endure the lies and myth making of the last few months? I wouldn’t. And using the same argument, why can’t Roy keep his mouth shut?

I may be accused of being a Rafa apologist, but I apologise for nothing if it means standing up to lies, miss-truths and falsification of our history.

“O Captain! My Captain!" Señor Benitez.

Benitez answers back after Hodgson's slur

Ex Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez, has defended himself after current LFC boss Roy Hodgson accused him of banning Reds legend Kenny Dalglish from Liverpool's Melwood training ground during his time in charge.

Rafa who is back in England for Tomorrow night's Champions League match at Tottenham, was attempting to once again set the record straight in front of a baying press pack

"I think that Mr Hodgson, he doesn't understand," Benitez said.

"Every single press conference is even worse than the last one. He's talking about things that he doesn't know.

"And some people cannot see a priest on a mountain of sugar.

"Maybe he hasn't been in Liverpool too long. We gave the fans their pride - again. We fought for the fans, we fought for the club and we fought for our players.

"So maybe he cannot understand this."

He added: "I brought back Kenny Dalglish to do a role in the club and Christian Purslow gave him another role.

"He (Hodgson) doesn't know but I will explain it to him.

"So, instead of talking about the flips or the flops, he has to concentrate on his players, try to do his best.

"He has a good job to do."

"They've signed nine players.

"With £10million net spending, I left that squad with £300million value, 13 internationals.

"So, instead of talking about flips and flops, he has to concentrate on his job, try to do his best and not talk about the level of his players or the new players.

"Concentrate, try to do your best because it will be the best for the club and it will be the best for the fans."

No doubt Benitez’s comments will attract more criticism from the British press intent on re-writing his history, as another “rant”.

Although the repeated questions from the press asking for his views have been carefully edited out, his comments can be viewed here

Torres played through the pain barrier

Liverpool hot-shot striker Fernando Torres has admitted that he played through the pain barrier in the Reds 2-0 Premiership victory over bitter rivals Manchester United.

"I wasn't really at my best. We knew before the game I couldn't play to 100 per cent because I had some pain in some actions, but in games like this the pain doesn't matter," said Torres to the official site.

"I feel a bit of pain when I shoot across so I could only shoot towards the near post - it was the only thing I could do!"

"I am really happy for the fans and the players and we will enjoy this," said Torres.

"We are in the race again. We knew before the game that we had to win and we did it. Now we have a bit of confidence but we have to keep it going on Wednesday in the Carling Cup against Arsenal.

"Then we have to be focused for Fulham. But we feel like a strong team again because we're working all together like in the past.

"We will see what happens and then look at things at the end."

Reds boss Rafael Benitez confirmed Torres was not 100% fit, and the decision to play him was made on the coach traveling towards the stadium.

“I got Fernando’s opinion on the coach and, after talking with the staff, we decided he would play," said Rafael Benitez.

“You could see that he was not 100 per cent and you could see that he was not fresh, but sometimes, 80 per cent of Fernando can make a difference.

"We knew that he was not 100 per cent fit but it wasn’t a risk so in the end he was able to play.

“It has been a fantastic result, maybe it was the perfect game because we knew that we had to perform against a good team in front of our own fans and it was a fantastic performance from the players.”

The fans gave us 12 men in United victory says Benitez

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez says passion, character and every last fan in the Kop played a part in today's well deserved victory over Manchester United. Two goals from Fernando Torres and David Ngog sunk United in a passionate match that saw both Nemanja Vidic and Javier Mascherano sent off following two yellow cards apiece.

"The players showed character and the fans were behind the players, we had 12 men," said Benitez on Sky Sports.

When asked what the difference was, Benitez replied:

"I think the passion, the attitude , the character and also some good play sometimes, but especially the mentality, everyone was working together, plus the goalkeeper to the last fan on The Kop."

Rafa was then asked if he answered a lot of questions today?

"The players answered a lot of questions, that is the most important thing."

Benitez, had been given a vote of confidence earlier today from Liverpool managing director Christian Purslow. When asked about his thoughts, the Red boss said:

"One game at a time. We are just thinking about the next game, Christian Purslow was supporting me and the team, but we have to keep going.

"We cannot be too excited with this win, we have another game on Wednesday."

When asked what he thought a result like this proved, Rafa said:

"For me that the team is better than people think, and it shows the character and quality that we have. Its just a question of having a little bit of luck and show this character in every game"

Sky Sports pundit Geoff Shreeves then said: "You've had a huge amount of criticism at any point has it made you angry?

"Not really, I was just trying to be focused and concentrate on my job. I knew the only way to change things in football is to win games."

Benitez job safe states LFC director Purslow

Liverpool FC's managing director Christian Purslow has stated that Rafael Benitez's job is safe, following days of press speculation claiming otherwise. Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live Sportsweek today, Purslow also stated that coveted players Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres where not for sale at any price, following more wild media speculation that the club would have to sell the duo because of its financial instability.

"The most important aspect of the football club I was involved in in my first week in the job was securing Rafa for another five years. You only have to look at the Premiership era and our two major competitors in the last 10 to 12 years to see the benefits of longevity," said Purslow.

"Liverpool Football Club is on a long-term journey and that journey is to be the most successful club, firstly in our country and secondly in the world, and you don't do that by worrying about short-term results. You do that by having long-term plans centring on the people and the strategy. Rafa Benítez is absolutely central to that plan."

"The core of the team which won 86 points last season remains intact with some excellent additions, so I have every reason to believe we can perform at that level this season over the season."

When asked whether he would guarantee Benítez's position, if the club do not win the league in May, he said: "Yes I would."

Purslow also confirmed Fernando Torres had no clauses in his contract that allowed him to leave Anfield if Liverpool do not qualify for the Champions League next season.

He said: "Fernando signed an extension to his contract this summer. He has a five-year contract. He is a crucial leader in our team. He loves Liverpool Football Club. He has been fantastic around the place. Fernando Torres and Liverpool Football Club go together and I believe they will go together for the length of his career."

To the question that he was not for sale at any price, Purslow replied: "Correct." Purslow also stated the same went for Gerrard.

He also insisted Javier Mascherano is happy at the club, saying: "He is the leading central holding player in world football. It is inevitable that big clubs will covet players of that quality.

"We also had another central midfielder [Xabi Alonso] coveted by a world team in the summer who left us. We sat down with Javier at the time and he reasserted his total commitment to Liverpool. He has had a lot going on with the Argentina [World Cup] qualification situation, which is now behind him. He is a hugely important player for us. He is a leader and this week in the aftermath of [the home defeat by] Lyon he has been a powerful figure."

Purslow also revealed the club are four weeks into a process of raising new equity in the club:

"There has been a huge amount of interest in the club from some extremely wealthy and expert investors but it will take three to six months to pull that together.

"It means there will be new investment into the football club. Mr Hicks and Mr Gillett have no plans to sell their shares. We will be issuing new equity to new investors, broadening our ownership."

Redknapp backs top class Benitez

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp has joined Arsene Wenger in backing Reds Boss Rafa Benitez. Yesterday Wenger declared the press criticism of Benitez 'excessive', and that he felt sorry for the Anfield boss. Now the Spurs manager has backed Benitez to bounce back, citing him as a 'top class manager.'

“It’s when nothing goes right and every night you go home and rely on those closest to you to remind you that you can still do the job.

“Confidence takes a knock, it’s a brittle thing in football," said Reknapp in the Echo.

“But I do not doubt Benitez’s credentials or his ability for one second – despite a relatively poor run for Liverpool.

“People should not forget that Benitez has won the Champions League for Liverpool and taken them to another final.

“He has won the FA Cup and has maintained the high standards of success at one of the world’s greatest football clubs.

“Benitez is a top-class manager and that has not changed.

“Despite the defeat to Lyon on Tuesday I still predict they will beat Fiorentina at home and then go on to qualify for the knockout stages of this season’s Champions League.

“I could not predict a top four this season now because things are getting so much tighter with teams like Manchester City, Aston Villa, Everton and my Tottenham side pushing hard.

“But Liverpool will be up there when the honours are being dished out at the end of this season.

“I would hope that it is not even on the radar up there on Merseyside that it is time to consider a change of manager at Liverpool.

“Benitez has done five years and has a pretty enviable record of trophies. Liverpool is a football city and I’d hope patience is the motto up there at the moment.”

Benitez says LFC fans are better then United supporters

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has declared that LFC supporters are better the United's ahead of the Premiership clash with their bitter rivals tomorrow.

"We know there is a massive difference in money but we have better fans [than United] so I am really pleased," said Benitez in the Independent.

Tomorrow match is Rafa's 200th league game as Anfield manager and his record in that time surpasses every other Liverpool manager of modern times bar Dalglish.

Benitez has won 113 of his 199 games – a 58.6 per cent success rate.
Bill Shankly achieved 106 of 200 (53 per cent).
Houllier 101 (50.5 per cent).
Ferguson's 87 wins (43.5 per cent).

"The numbers are not bad," said Rafa in his typical manner suggesting he could do better.

Wenger calls press backlash of Benitez excessive

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has defended Rafael Benitez following an avalanche of negative press that has been heaped on the Liverpool manager. The French coach has labeled the media attention 'excessive' and he has also stated that he feels sorry for Rafa, believing the Anfield boss does not deserve such negative media attention.

"It is always excessive," said Wenger today.

"We are, with a big club, in a job where you know that the moment the team goes through a difficult period, you get more stick than you should.

"But we know in our job as well that it is all part of it. I feel sorry that he gets that because he does not deserve it.

"But we all basically understand within this job, that it is part of the rules.

"In a big club, you need to be extremely strong because you get a lot of negative vibes.

"When you do not start well in the race for the Premier League, it’s all negative around you.

"What is happening to Liverpool today happened to us last year. Every single question is negative for the whole season. You need to be extremely strong inside the club to deal with that."

Benitez waits on Torres, Gerrard and Johnson's fitness

Reds boss Rafael Benitez is waiting on late fitness tests on Steven Gerrard, Fernando Torres and Glen Johnson ahead of Sundays Premiership clash with Manchester United. All three are recovering from groin problems and it is hoped they will be ready for the North West derby. Torres trained with his teammates today and will be further assessed tomorrow, while Johnson missed the midweek Champions League defeat to Lyon. Benitez has spoken of his belief that Johnson will be fit and he also hopes Gerrard recovers in time for the game.

"It's the same situation for all the players," said Benitez to the official web site today.

"Fernando trained today and has been working to a specific programme.

"We will speak with the physios over the weekend before making a decision about Steven.

"Hopefully Glen will be available but we'll have to wait and see. We will make late decisions with all of them."

Asked if Alberto Aquilani would play a part in Sundays game, after his midweek appearance for the reserves, Benitez replied:

"No, I don't think so. We wanted to give him some time on the pitch but still it's too soon to say when he can play for the first team."

Benitez believes hard work will re-ignite Reds season

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez believes the team needs to work harder in order to dig themselves out of the current spate of losses that have plagued the club. Rafa concedes the Reds have not been at their best, but a win against bitter rivals United may swing their season around and give the team a much needed boost in confidence.

"I am sure our squad is much better than people think. If you have three, four or five players who normally start out injured, then you can't talk about the squad not being strong enough," said Benitez in his pre match press conference.

"I am sure if you take four or five players from United, Chelsea or Arsenal, it would be very difficult for them to win some games.

"Beating United last season is something positive we can use. Without Gerrard and Torres, the team was really good and the fans enjoyed the day - especially because we were without two very important players.

"So, if we have to do the same in this situation now, we can do it."

Benitez says a win will certainly boost their title aspirations and how important it is to reduce the points gap between the Reds and United.

"It's the best way - but it's not the only one. We think we can win and we'll talk about four points at the next press conference."

"I am really relaxed in terms on my position because I know how we are working on the pitch every day. In the past we were doing really good things and we haven't changed too much.

"It's a question of confidence. We know we have to improve but it's about winning the first game now.

"As a manager you know you will have good moments and bad moments. At this moment we know we have to improve, we have to win and it's a question of time - I'm sure once we win the first game everything will change.

"This game against United could be the right opportunity for us because it's a massive game against our rivals and the fans will be behind the team from the first minute until the last. We can change everything.

"We just need to keep working hard and perhaps need a bit of luck on the pitch. The other day against Lyon we were winning 1-0 and then had two or three chances but couldn't score the second goal. Then we lost in the last minute.

"Sometimes you need to play a little bit better, that's clear - but you also need to keep working hard and that little bit of luck."

Rafa also believes United have not been weakened by the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo.

"They are a good team with a lot of good players - not just one player."

"It will be a tough test for us but it's always like this."

Reds in 'Crisis' is just press hyperbole

The past few days has been difficult for Liverpool fans and the defeats have been hard to take. The press who have taken the form of the school yard bullies shouting abuse from the back of the bus, have delighted in the Reds loss of form, filling their newspapers with stories, articles, analysis and expert opinion. Most are sharpening their axes claiming Liverpool's season is on the brink of collapse. The press are not known for changing their tune, as they wrote off Liverpool after their third match, ten days into the current Premier League season. Eight weeks ago the headline where: -

"Are Liverpool already out of this year's title race?" - The Guardian

"Crisis looms as Rafael Benítez hunts for answers" - The Telegraph

Eight weeks later and nothing has changed: -

"Liverpool in crisis: the problems facing Rafael Benitez" - The Telegraph

"Rafael Benítez: 10 mistakes that have cost Liverpool" - The Guardian

A 'crisis' is always on the 'brink' according to the newspapers, as that is always what they write about. The Guardian has practically ran a poll every other week asking if Benitez was to blame for the current lull in form and if Liverpool's title challenge was already over.

The papers, salivating at the prospect of axing a massive scalp, smell blood and Liverpool football club is as big as they come.

But lets step back from the baying crowds, forming a circle with their attention screaming headlines and look at the situation with objective calmness.

There is almost seven months left of the Premier League Season to play.

29 Premiership matches remain to be played, totalling 87 points left to earn.

Liverpool after nine matches, have currently earned: 15 points.

Manchester United after nine games last season had accumulated: 18 points.

Although the currents slump in form is agonising for the fans and the way the team is playing is of deep concern, 'Crisis' is hardly the correct description. The current 'normal' thing to do with teams in this situation is to 'sack' the manager and this is where it appears common sense has left the building, screaming all the way to the funny farm. What happened to:

'Analysing the situation', 'identifying problems' and 'working harder to solve them'?

Unfortunately these otherwise 'normal' pursuits have been abandoned in place of a press invented, gladiator style spectator sport, where extreme actions are the only remaining option.

The cheap and easy route is sacking, with no guaranteed replacement. Dalglish and Mourinho are names that have have been thrown around, but would the 'special one' really come to a club whose owners promise 'big money', but actually deliver 'little money'? Mourinho is without question a gifted manager, but he is more interested in his own personal goals then the long term plans of the club that employs him. One suspects managing Liverpool football club would only be another notch on Mourinho's bed post.

Dalglish, a known supporter of Benitez, who last managed over a decade ago, would be privy to Rafa's problems with the owners and the clubs finances, would never return to managing the club. Although Dalglish remains the fans favourite and the mere mention of his name induces romantic notions of the 'king' returning to his sleeping kingdom to rescue it from its plight, a more sober view is needed.

Rafael Benitez is well known as a man that eats, sleeps and thinks football 24/7. He commonly works 12-14 hour days, or even longer when there are massive matches on the horizon. His office is stacked high with DVD's and video cassette's of matches of up-coming opponents, previous LFC matches and players to watch. He analyzes victories as well as defeats, scrutinising every aspect of the game in order to pin point why a match was won or lost. In short, he is a workaholic striving for excellence in his team and has the best interests of the club at heart.

The club, the players, coaching staff and fans must all support one another during the hardest times, because how you overcome adversity defines who you are.

Benitez philosophical over freak beach ball goal

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez remains philosophical over the freak 'beach ball' goal that should not have stood. Sunderland striker Darren Bent's shot was deflected into the net via a stray beach ball that was thrown onto the pitch by a Liverpool supporter.

"We are not blaming or worrying about the goal at Sunderland, there is nothing we can do about that now or change the situation, we just intend to move forward," said Benitez in the Independent.

"It was unusual and hopefully it will not happen again. It was something that could not be avoided, certainly from the players.

"At the time I felt it was just a balloon, it was not until afterwards that we saw the replay and realised it was more than a balloon, much more.

"But it is clear now that the goal could have been disallowed. Maybe in the future that would not be allowed to happen again."

Gerrard fit to play Lyon, but Torres is out

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has been passed fit to play in tomorrow nights Champions League tie against Lyon after overcoming a thigh injury that had ruled him out of the Reds defeat to Sunderland on Saturday. However Striker Fernando Torres who is still suffering from an abductor problem, picked up on international duty with Spain in Armenia last week, will miss the game.

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez believes his skippers inclusion will be a major boost to a team clearly struggling with confidence.

"With Steven around, it has an effect on the other players. He is an inspiration to them, said Benitez in the Independent.

"Steven is a winner with the right mentality. But we have to see these players on the pitch, they cannot win games when they are injured.

"The team knows we are not playing at the right level, but they also know that we are good enough.

"They know we must start playing again at that level, their response in training has been positive and we must repeat that on the pitch. One good result will change everything.

"I am confident in my team, we are trying to improve and the response of the players this week has been very good and back to our best.

"We have gone from winning five on the trot to losing three in succession. We were scoring lots of goals and now we have not scored in three.

"But I do not believe there is much difference in all these games. We have played well, created chances and won praise for our attacking play.

"We have not changed our tactics, it just shows how close teams are to each other. We lost to Chelsea but were in control for much of the game and then we lose when the ball hits a beach ball.

"We have virtually the same group of players as we had last season, and that ended up with us finishing second.

"Hopefully we can start to win again, the atmosphere will be better and the mood will change as confidence improves.

"We have Gerrard back now, and we have players who are fresher than they were after the international games. I hope that the Champions League will create a special atmosphere that will inspire the players, as it usually does in games like this at Anfield.

"In training this week I can see the team we were in the past. They are almost the same players as last season, we need confidence and some wins, there is no need to start worrying.

"I believe we are strong enough to compete just as we did last season. These players have the quality, they need to play one or two good games and everything will improve.

"It is not the end of the world, it is a bad position but we will come back and start fighting again."

"Torres is not ready, so we have to wait a little longer but hopefully he will be okay for the weekend against Manchester United.

"The problems we have had this season have been too many to solve. We have had problems with our centre-backs, then there was Gerrard unfit and now we also have forwards out.

"There have been too many things all at once. We have to wait for our injured players to return, then things will be a lot better.

"We need people fit, we need the end of the international breaks and then we can all work together to improve.

"First we must win against Lyon, that will get us back on the right road."

Benitez comes out fighting

Reds boss Rafael Benitez came out fighting yesterday amidst accusations in the tabloids claiming Liverpool's season could be over within the week. Today's Mail leads the baying pack with a typical exploitational headline, screaming: 'Rafa Benitez's crisis point, Liverpool season facing ruin'.

Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres are both out of the Premiership clash against Sunderland today, but Benitez believes there is enough quality in his team to overcome Steve Bruce's side at the Stadium of Light this afternoon. The Anfield club have often been called a two man team incapable of enforcing any real damage in the Premiership without them. However it is often forgotten Liverpool beat Manchester United last season without starting Torres or Gerrard.

“It’s very early days (in the title race),” said Benitez. “It’s better to be six points ahead but the main thing is to keep going, keep working and keep doing things properly. We will see. I am sure we will improve. You have not seen the best of our players," said Benitez in the Echo.

“Would I take a draw (against Sunderland)? No. Not really. We are always thinking about taking three points from every single game. This one will be the same. We might not have Gerrard or Torres but we have Babel, Kuyt, a lot of options up front.”

“I think we have enough quality in the squad, so we have to manage,” he said. “Maybe we will play with different players or in a different way. Still we have confidence that we have quality in the squad. That is the situation.

“We have a lot of internationals here and it is more difficult to keep them fit but we will see how we can manage. We knew that this game could be very difficult, playing away on a Saturday after an international break. It is a difficult fixture.

“Now it is going to be more difficult but we maybe have to show more character and more quality. The main thing for us is to do our things properly. We have to play our game and make sure we control the key players of the other team.

“In some ways this game has been impossible to prepare for – Mascherano, Lucas and Insua have all been away. We have been waiting for them but maybe after the next international break we will be playing much better. We will improve.”

Jame Carragher will wear the captains arm band today in Steven Gerrard's absence. The 31-year-old defender has not been at his best form this season and some fans have expressed fears the player may have passed his best. Reds boss Benitez however still believes in his scouse centre back:

“Carra physically is okay,” said Benitez. “That is not a problem. People are saying ‘oh his age! oh his legs!’ but that is not the case. It is a question of confidence. When you make mistakes, normally the centre-backs and the keeper suffer more than the others.

“I’m sure now with more competition, with Carra, Skrtel and Agger fit, it will be better for the team. Players with character have to show this when they are under pressure. The only way to change things is to be on the pitch and prove that you are right.”

Gerrard and Torres sidelined for Sunderland clash

Todays Premiership clash with Sunderland could prove a tougher test then first thought, now that news has emerged that both Liverpool's influential captain Steven Gerrard and Spanish marvel Fernando Torres have been sidelined for the match at Wearside.

Both players sustained injuries whilst on international duty in midweek. Gerrard missed England's win over Belarus on Wednesday after picking up a groin injury in the defeat by Ukraine. Torres suffered from an adductor problem in Spain's win over Armenia last weekend and he was rested for the midweek win over Bosnia-Herzegovina.

The duo are not the only casualties, as new signing Sotirios Kyrgiakos suffered a knee injury during Greece's 2-1 win over Luxembourg. Early indications suggested the former Rangers man may have sustained cruciate ligament damage, however a scan confirmed this not to be the case.

As if to compound Benitez's selection problems further, Javier Mascherano and Emiliano Insua, only arrived back on Merseyside after a fifteen hour flight from Buenos Aires yesterday.

Liverpool manager has increasingly become frustrated by his players sustaining injuries whilst away on international duty:

"Both Steven and Fernando still have some problems," Benitez confirmed during his pre match press conference yesterday.

"They will need more time and won't be available this weekend. I think they could be available for next week," reports Sky Sports.

"We were talking with our medical staff and analysing all the problems, but now we can't change the situation and would prefer to concentrate on Sunderland," he said.

"I need to worry about the players I have rather than those I don't."

Dirk Kuyt had also suffered from an ankle problem in midweek but Benitez confirmed it was not an issue and the Dutch international is likely to lead the forward line.

"Kuyt is okay. He was training normally with the team and will be available," added Benitez.

"With Kyrgiakos we were really worried because people were talking about maybe six months, but after the scan we think one week to ten days. That's very positive," he said.

The Reds boss also confirmed summer signing Alberto Aquilani is now training with the first team.

"His physical problems, he is okay and now he has to work on his condition and so hopefully he will be fitter next week," he said.

"But he is now training with the first team and that is the most important thing."

Aquilani is almost ready says Benitez

Alberto Aquilani has been making steady progress under the care and attention of Liverpool's medical staff, and the playmaker is on schedule to begin his Anfield career within two weeks. Speculation had suggested the new number 4 would make his first appearance next week against Sunderland, however a more realistic target is likely to be the Carling Cup clash against Arsenal on October 28. Reds boss Rafa Benitez is delighted with the Italians recovery and hopes Aquilani will take further big strides towards fitness during the international break.

“I have been speaking to the doctors and things are going well with him,” said Benitez in the Echo.

“Alberto is progressing all the time. It could be two to three weeks before he is back.

“But we need to use caution. If it is two weeks everyone will say ‘that is fantastic’ but if it is three, everyone will say it is not a problem. I think that we have to be careful.

“We will take it one step at a time and we have the international break to look forward to now. That will be good for him, as he will have some more time (to recover without missing any games).”

“He is running and swimming – I think he will have the record in the swimming pool by the end of his programme – and he is working in the gym,” said Benitez.

“He is doing almost everything and he is doing some things with the team. The only thing he is not doing is kick a ball – not yet anyway.”

Benitez expects Mascherano to be fit against Chelsea

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez expects Javier Mascherano to be back from injury to face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday. The Argentinean midfielder has suffered from a slight hamstring problem and was not fit for the Champions League match against Fiorentina on Tuesday.

"I expect Javier to be fit for the Chelsea game, he will be ready," said Benitez in the Telegraph.

"He was very close to being fit to play in Florence, but he had a slight hamstring problem and could not train in our final session before we left for Italy on Monday, so he could not be risked."

Danish defender Daniel Agger could also be available after playing an hour of the reserves' 2-0 win against Manchester City on Tuesday, his first game of the season after a knee operation.

Aurelio says Benitez raged at half time in Fiorentina

Fabio Aurelio has admitted that manager Rafael Benitez's mood in the dressing room at half time during the Fiorentina game was the most annoyed the player has ever seen the coach. Aurelio is well placed to assess Benitez's temper having served under him a Valencia before joining him at the Reds.

“That was the most annoyed we have seen the manager but we all were,” said Aurelio in the Telegraph.

“We all felt like that after the first half and that’s why you saw a better performance in the second.

“But we didn’t need harsh words at half-time – we all knew that we were not playing well and that we had to be much better.

“In the second we were a different side and if it had been like that from the start it could have been a different result.”

“In football you always have a chance to put it right and turn things to your favour and ours comes at Chelsea on Sunday.”

“It’s a good opportunity for us to get over the disappointment of losing to Fiorentina.

“It is a very important game in the Premier League, against a very strong side, and we have to recover from this result straight away and have the confidence we can do a good job again.

“We have to fight really hard to take the points.

“It’s important to get something against the top sides. We are scoring more goals at the moment but you must keep improving if you want to win trophies.”

Rafa describes Fiorentina defeat as Liverpool's worst performance in 5 years

Rafael Benítez has described the 2-0 defeat against Fiorentina as Liverpool's worst performance in his time at the club, as Liverpool were rocked by two first half strikes from teenager Stevan Jovetic. The Reds were slow to start and the fast passing Tuscany side were clearly Happy to take advantage of the Anfield clubs sluggish opening 45 minutes, impressing several punishing moves, converting twice.

"Our mentality in that opening period was just not right, we were bad all over the pitch and I cannot really recall a performance like that," said Benítez in the Telegraph.

“The first half was the worst performance I have seen in my time here. We were doing everything wrong. Fiorentina pressed us well and made us make mistakes. When you make mistakes at this level, you get punished. I was not happy with the challenging all over the pitch in the first half. The mentality was not good enough. We were too nervous. They did well, but we did everything badly.”

"We now have Chelsea away at the weekend in an important Premier League game. I believe you will see a different Liverpool in that match, a totally different performance with a different mentality.

"Then we have Lyon home and away in this group, they are the leaders and it means we have to now win them both.

"We certainly will not be as bad again. If you make too many mistakes against such sides, you will be punished. It is very simple.

"Mentally we will have better days than this. We did improve, but we needed to score early in the second-half. We had the chances but we failed to take them."

Fiorentina coach and former Juventus player Cesare Prandelli said: "We were fantastic, that is the best performance I have seen by a Fiorentina side in the four years I have been in charge.

"Liverpool did not play well, but that was because of the performance of my team. We were outstanding."