Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Benitez Rues Home Form


Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has admitted he is growing disappointed with the amount of points his side are losing at home.

The Reds dropped two more points at Anfield to Everton on Monday as they failed to return to the top of the table.

Benitez's side have dropped 10 points at home this season, drawing to the likes of Stoke, Fulham, West Ham and Hull.

In comparison title rivals Manchester United have dropped just two points at Old Trafford, the draw coming on the opening day against Newcastle, from 10 home games, winning the rest.

The derby-day draw saw the Reds go level on points with United, with the champions having played a game less, but Benitez is remaining positive.

"We are disappointed and frustrated at the amount of points we have dropped at home this season," he said.

"Generally this season we are much better in terms of points won, and especially away from home we are very strong.

"But at home we are facing games that will eventually be a massive difference for us. I have tried to be positive with the players.
Positive

"I told them that back in August when we started, everyone was asking where we would be come January.

"And now we find ourselves level on points with Manchester United at the top of the table now that January is here.

"We have to be positive. This is a good position. But we are disappointed because we are losing some home points we could win.

"But in England you say the bottle is half-full or half-empty. We feel it is half-full."

The two Merseyside clubs are set for round two on Sunday in the FA Cup fourth round, again at Anfield, and Benitez has confirmed he will make changes.

"We may have to play with different players for the cup tie on Sunday," he stated.

"Afterwards we have two important games the following week at Wigan and then at home to Chelsea.

"We have players coming back from injury and it is important that they get the chance to play matches like the cup tie.

"We have had the likes of Martin Skrtel, Fernando Torres and Alvaro Arbeloa all returning from injuries and they are all much closer to their best now."

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