RAFA BENITEZ has urged Robbie Keane’s team-mates to help him end his barren spell.
The £20m signing has hit just two League goals since his move from Spurs. And he looked frustrated at being substituted – for the 15th time in 18 starts – once again on Monday night.
But the Reds boss has stood by him and asked his team-mates to create more chances for him.
“Robbie is a better player than the one we are seeing now,” said Benitez.
“We know what kind of player Robbie Keane is. He needs people around him to pass the ball well.
“I believe he will be okay, he will score more if we create chances for him. But if that does not happen we have to use players with different qualities to open up the game.”
Keane is set to continue at Blackburn on Saturday, but Danish defender Daniel Agger must fight for a return to the starting line-up after Sami Hyypia’s impressive performance on Monday.
Agger admitted he can do better – but reassured Reds fans he was happy on Merseyside after reports claimed Reds officials were stunned by his pay demands in contract talks.
The Denmark defender’s representatives are reportedly seeking to double the player’s wages to more than £70,000 a week.
“It’s difficult to compare to how I was before, and I know there are some things I need to improve, but I can feel myself getting better and better with every game,” said Agger,
“Maybe I am not there yet, but I will be soon.
“Of course sometimes it’s difficult but you have to keep working hard to improve yourself and that’s what I am trying to do.
“It has been difficult with the injury last year but that’s the past. Hopefully I’ll be back to 100 per cent soon.
“Outside of the pitch I’m really happy. I am enjoying everything. The people in Liverpool are so friendly. I was really surprised when I came to the city how friendly the people were compared to other places I have been. I cannot complain about anything. I feel at home.”
The £20m signing has hit just two League goals since his move from Spurs. And he looked frustrated at being substituted – for the 15th time in 18 starts – once again on Monday night.
But the Reds boss has stood by him and asked his team-mates to create more chances for him.
“Robbie is a better player than the one we are seeing now,” said Benitez.
“We know what kind of player Robbie Keane is. He needs people around him to pass the ball well.
“I believe he will be okay, he will score more if we create chances for him. But if that does not happen we have to use players with different qualities to open up the game.”
Keane is set to continue at Blackburn on Saturday, but Danish defender Daniel Agger must fight for a return to the starting line-up after Sami Hyypia’s impressive performance on Monday.
Agger admitted he can do better – but reassured Reds fans he was happy on Merseyside after reports claimed Reds officials were stunned by his pay demands in contract talks.
The Denmark defender’s representatives are reportedly seeking to double the player’s wages to more than £70,000 a week.
“It’s difficult to compare to how I was before, and I know there are some things I need to improve, but I can feel myself getting better and better with every game,” said Agger,
“Maybe I am not there yet, but I will be soon.
“Of course sometimes it’s difficult but you have to keep working hard to improve yourself and that’s what I am trying to do.
“It has been difficult with the injury last year but that’s the past. Hopefully I’ll be back to 100 per cent soon.
“Outside of the pitch I’m really happy. I am enjoying everything. The people in Liverpool are so friendly. I was really surprised when I came to the city how friendly the people were compared to other places I have been. I cannot complain about anything. I feel at home.”
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