Rafael Benítez interrupted his preparation for today’s match against Stoke City — in which victory would send his Liverpool side to the top of the Barclays Premier League — to spend four hours with a delegation of fans from the Spirit of Shankly (SOS) supporters’ union on Thursday. The Liverpool manager covered a wide range of subjects during the discussions but reassured the fans that his future lies at Anfield.
The meeting came five days after George Gillett Jr., the club’s co-owner, held face-to-face talks with the SOS group. Then, the supporters left bemused, after the American expressed the view that the club were in a “sound financial state”, despite Gillett and Tom Hicks, his fellow owner, plunging the club into debt with a £350 million refinancing package and failing to provide funds for the promised new stadium.
After talking to Benítez, the SOS mood was more upbeat. The Spaniard admitted to sharing the supporters’ frustrations with the political turmoil behind the scenes at Anfield but refused to be drawn on ownership issues or his relationship with Rick Parry, the chief executive, saying he preferred to concentrate on the progress of the team. Benítez was keen, however, to emphasise his commitment to the club, informing the fans’ delegation that he had no career plans other than to bring success to Anfield. The manager illustrated this by detailing his intention to revamp the club’s academy.
He also said that Sammy Lee had been brought back to Anfield’s backroom staff not just for his coaching ability but because, as a former player, he could strengthen the present regime’s links with the club’s tradition.
“It was a very good meeting,” a member of the SOS delegation said. “The manager showed his passion for the club and convinced us that he is taking Liverpool in the right direction.”
Yesterday, Benítez turned his attention back to the matter in hand. With Chelsea, the leaders, playing tomorrow, victory over Stoke would put Liverpool top of the table for the first time in 12 months. The Spaniard is aware, however, that the Premier League newcomers will present a difficult challenge. “We must match them physically and also make sure the technical aspects of our game and our tactics prevail,” Benítez said. “We know every challenge will be hard, but we have the quality to make the difference.”
Benítez is unconcerned about the form of Robbie Keane, who has failed to score in eight appearances for the club since his arrival from Tottenham Hotspur for a projected £20.3 million in the summer. The manager gave the Ireland striker a vote of confidence yesterday, praising his all-round game. “I am not concerned about this [Keane's lack of goals] — his effort and work for the team is outstanding,” he said.
Fernando Torres backed Keane to have a big influence on the season. “I know Robbie is going to be a very important player for us,” the Liverpool striker said. “Maybe he needs to score his first goal and then he will go on to score a lot more.”
Keane, 28, said that his experience is helping him to cope with the slow start at Anfield. “I have not scored yet and that is something that I want to do, but it is also not something I am too worried about,” the forward said. “If I was a young lad and a bit naive, I would probably be really worried about it, but as long as the team is winning and I keep working hard, that is all I can do. My first goal is just around the corner and hopefully many more will follow.”
The meeting came five days after George Gillett Jr., the club’s co-owner, held face-to-face talks with the SOS group. Then, the supporters left bemused, after the American expressed the view that the club were in a “sound financial state”, despite Gillett and Tom Hicks, his fellow owner, plunging the club into debt with a £350 million refinancing package and failing to provide funds for the promised new stadium.
After talking to Benítez, the SOS mood was more upbeat. The Spaniard admitted to sharing the supporters’ frustrations with the political turmoil behind the scenes at Anfield but refused to be drawn on ownership issues or his relationship with Rick Parry, the chief executive, saying he preferred to concentrate on the progress of the team. Benítez was keen, however, to emphasise his commitment to the club, informing the fans’ delegation that he had no career plans other than to bring success to Anfield. The manager illustrated this by detailing his intention to revamp the club’s academy.
He also said that Sammy Lee had been brought back to Anfield’s backroom staff not just for his coaching ability but because, as a former player, he could strengthen the present regime’s links with the club’s tradition.
“It was a very good meeting,” a member of the SOS delegation said. “The manager showed his passion for the club and convinced us that he is taking Liverpool in the right direction.”
Yesterday, Benítez turned his attention back to the matter in hand. With Chelsea, the leaders, playing tomorrow, victory over Stoke would put Liverpool top of the table for the first time in 12 months. The Spaniard is aware, however, that the Premier League newcomers will present a difficult challenge. “We must match them physically and also make sure the technical aspects of our game and our tactics prevail,” Benítez said. “We know every challenge will be hard, but we have the quality to make the difference.”
Benítez is unconcerned about the form of Robbie Keane, who has failed to score in eight appearances for the club since his arrival from Tottenham Hotspur for a projected £20.3 million in the summer. The manager gave the Ireland striker a vote of confidence yesterday, praising his all-round game. “I am not concerned about this [Keane's lack of goals] — his effort and work for the team is outstanding,” he said.
Fernando Torres backed Keane to have a big influence on the season. “I know Robbie is going to be a very important player for us,” the Liverpool striker said. “Maybe he needs to score his first goal and then he will go on to score a lot more.”
Keane, 28, said that his experience is helping him to cope with the slow start at Anfield. “I have not scored yet and that is something that I want to do, but it is also not something I am too worried about,” the forward said. “If I was a young lad and a bit naive, I would probably be really worried about it, but as long as the team is winning and I keep working hard, that is all I can do. My first goal is just around the corner and hopefully many more will follow.”
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