Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has pointed out that the UEFA rule stating that at least eight home-grown players are mandatory in the squad for the Champions League, was the reason why he had to leave Sami Hyypia out of the group stages. The Spanish tactician, however, questioned the rule for Europe’s premier club competition.
Experienced Finland international centre-back Hyypia was surprised as he found no place in the Reds squad for the group stages.
"It was really difficult decision, but we had to do it. With the rule saying that you need more or less eight British - or local - players in the squads, we needed to decide which three centre-backs to have for the Champions League," Benitez told Liverpoolfc.tv.
Benitez felt that the new rule by the UEFA is a mistake, as he said: "Clearly I think it is a mistake. When you play in the Champions League, you need the best players you have on the pitch. It is not about where you are from, it is about the best players. I would understand if this rule came in for the Premier League, but not for the Champions League."
Benitez however, believes the squad will be used to the maximum in the entire season depending upon the progress the Reds make in the Cup competitions.
He said: "We now have four centre-backs who are good enough so they have to compete. And obviously it depends on the number of games we play and how we progress in the cup competitions too, so there could be a lot of games for many of our players."
Experienced Finland international centre-back Hyypia was surprised as he found no place in the Reds squad for the group stages.
"It was really difficult decision, but we had to do it. With the rule saying that you need more or less eight British - or local - players in the squads, we needed to decide which three centre-backs to have for the Champions League," Benitez told Liverpoolfc.tv.
Benitez felt that the new rule by the UEFA is a mistake, as he said: "Clearly I think it is a mistake. When you play in the Champions League, you need the best players you have on the pitch. It is not about where you are from, it is about the best players. I would understand if this rule came in for the Premier League, but not for the Champions League."
Benitez however, believes the squad will be used to the maximum in the entire season depending upon the progress the Reds make in the Cup competitions.
He said: "We now have four centre-backs who are good enough so they have to compete. And obviously it depends on the number of games we play and how we progress in the cup competitions too, so there could be a lot of games for many of our players."
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