Benitez faces crisis with dressing-room disharmony

Rafael Benite is facing yet another internal crisis as ESPN Soccernet has learned that the players are unhappy with the "bad atmosphere" within the dressing room.

A backlash is to be expected following the club's exit from the Champions League, but it is far more disturbing to learn that the negative environment has existed for some time.

An agent of one of the Liverpool superstars was guarded about the players' state of mind but revealed that the atmosphere within the dressing room at Anfield has been an issue for some time.

"The atmosphere is really bad," he told ESPN Soccernet. "There are a lot of unhappy players around."

Asked if those players were seeking to move away, he replied: "I am sure that there will be some players who would like to move on now, that's for sure."

With the January transfer window opening in five weeks, this is the time when players will be thinking of instructing their agents to find them new clubs.

But moving in January is notoriously difficult and, while Benitez would dearly love to ditch some under-performers and bring in new talent, the whole of Europe is aware of the falling value of their players and the club's need to bring in cash before they can buy due to their financial position.

Not only do Liverpool need to win the derby to maintain their top-four hopes, but the scrutiny will be on how the players react. Benitez is sure to inform them that they will need to perform at their best to convince everyone that he has restored harmony within the camp.

Benitez has been given assurances about his future, and five months into a brand new five-year contract, naturally the current owners would be loath to ditch their manager, not least because of the expense involved.

But the cost of failing to qualify for the Champions League next season will put intolerable strain on the club's finances, restricting buying power and making it difficult to attract the world's best players.

The American owners are committed to finding a new investor willing to buy a 50% stake and to raise £100 million, but so far there are no takers. Any investor would become embroiled in the in-house political squabbling that has marred relationships in the boardroom ever since Gillett and Hicks fell out.

source: www.soccernet.com

Ex-referee backs Rafa rant against Ferguson

Former Premier League referee Graham Poll has backed Rafael Benitez's claim that Sir Alex Ferguson receives lenient treatment from the Football Association.

Liverpool manager Benitez blasted his Manchester United counterpart on Friday, alleging Ferguson does not get punished sufficiently for his sometimes outspoken criticism of match officials.

"During the respect campaign, and this is a fact, Mr Ferguson was charged by the FA for improper conduct after comments made about Martin Atkinson and (referees' chief) Keith Hackett," Benitez said.

"He was not punished. He is the only manager in the league that cannot be punished for these things. "How can you talk about the respect campaign and criticise the referee every single week?"

Poll was considered the Premier League's top official until his retirement at the end of the 2006-07 season.

He enjoyed a good relationship with Ferguson, who even phoned Poll to offer him support in the wake of his gaffe at the 2006 World Cup, when he showed Croatia's Josip Simunic three yellow cards.

But the former referee agrees with Benitez's suggestion that the United boss receives preferential treatment from FA disciplinary chiefs.

"The authorities could point to Ferguson's two-match ban imposed earlier this season as proof that he is not out of reach of their disciplinary department, but that was for marching onto the field after the 4-3 win over Hull and for comments made directly to the referee, Mike Dean, who in reporting the misconduct forced the FA's hand."

An FA spokesman said Benitez's comments would be reviewed "in their full context" next week before any decision is reached on whether to take action against the Reds boss.

Source: EPSN

Benitez - Keane going nowhere

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez insists he is not set to sell under-fire striker Robbie Keane in the January transfer window.

Former Tottenham star Keane has struggled since a £20million summer switch to Anfield and has scored just four goals this season.

But ahead of Tuesday's UEFA Champions League outing at PSV Eindhoven, Benitez has moved to reject conjecture linking Keane with a Merseyside exit.

Benitez said on Monday: "Robbie's future is to be ready, to score goals and to work for the team.

"In football we know we have signed a good player, you cannot guarantee anyone's position. In some games he has to work hard.

"The challenge is there for him. When you sign a player for a lot of money, that is it. He becomes another player in the squad and he has to fight for his position.

"I do not know whether his confidence has been affected, we will see tomorrow.

Benitez added: "I have a lot of patience, with everybody. He will be here after the January window, it is not my idea to sell him.

"We are always working with the players, explaining and clarifying what they need to do for the team. Robbie is no different."

From www.sky sports.com