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BOSS ON
GERRARD, FORM AND AGGER |
3 SEPT 2008 |
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Source:
liverpoolfc.tv
Rafa Benitez is backing his side to shift through the gears
during what is set to be a crucial month in the club’s season.
The Anfield boss knows the Reds have not totally convinced in
their opening five matches despite an unbeaten run which has
taken them to joint top of the league.
But with massive games against Manchester United and Everton
looming in the next month, not to mention the start of our
Champions League campaign, Benitez expects his side to start
reaching full potential.
"Javier Mascherano, Lucas and Ryan Babel arrived late and I am
sure that in a few weeks' time it will be better," the gaffer
told Liverpoolfc.tv.
"We need to have better possession and work on having a higher
tempo."
Liverpool's last outing brought a credible point at Villa Park
without Steven Gerrard and, for the most part, Fernando
Torres.
Benitez added: "Getting a draw without them showed the quality
in the squad – but it could have been better.
"Having watched the videos, I thought we could have won. We
had four chances – Alonso, Kuyt, Ngog and Keane. They had two
and some set-pieces. So, the point was good but it could have
been better.
"We changed the system to play 4-3-3 and give Xabi Alonso
freedom, then when he was being pressed we changed to 4-2-3-1.
People said, 'Oh, Robbie Keane wasn't playing well on the
left.' But we had to think about winning the game, not just
one player."
Gerrard is currently recovering from a groin operation due to
keep him out 10-15 days.
On the skipper's race to face United on September 13, Benitez
said: "Steven is okay. He's started with bicycle work and will
start jogging, so I think he will be ready soon."
Meanwhile, the Liverpool boss is backing Daniel Agger to rise
to the challenge of extra competition at centre-back.
The Dane has been absent from the starting XI since the first
leg of our Champions League qualifier in Liege.
Benitez said: "Martin Skrtel is a good centre-back, Jamie
Carragher is very consistent and Sami Hyypia is a good option
also, so Daniel needs to work hard if he wants to play and he
knows that.
"We want two players for each position but Daniel has a very
good mentality and he will be ready." |
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Copyright @ STEVEN-GERRARD.NET |
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