Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Collymore Believes Rafa Rant Will Work Against Liverpool

During his pomp as a player Stan Collymore was one of the most efficient attackers in the English football; boasting a 1:2 goals to games ration at Southend, Nottingham Forest, and Liverpool.

At the Reds he struck a formidable partnership with much-loved Liverpudlian Robbie Fowler, and even helped oust goalscoring legend Ian Rush.

The 37-year old believes his former club could be heading for trouble following Rafa Benitez's recent comments to the press regarding "facts" concerning Sir Alex Ferguson.

The thrice-capped England international is worried about the timing of the remarks, and told British tabloid the Mirror:


"I fear Rafa Benitez’s rant at Sir Alex Ferguson could backfire badly and unwittingly inspire Manchester United to the Premier League crown.

"The timing of Benitez’s broadside has stunned me even though the Liverpool manager was absolutely spot on in everything he said about Ferguson.

"Everyone in football knows Benitez’s United counterpart has been at it for years intimidating referees and opponents," he said.

"The ruthless Scot has seen off Arsene Wenger as a threat and Jose Mourinho.

"So it was refreshing for a rival manager to come out and be so forthright about Ferguson’s recent gripe at the fixtures. But I firmly believe Benitez should have done it when there are maybe five or six games left.

"Don’t do it with half of the season remaining with Manchester United full of experienced players who are more than happy to rub Liverpool’s noses in it."

He continued: "United have plenty to motivate them now and Benitez’s attack may have backfired as the spotlight on Liverpool is even more intense now.

"My old club hammered Newcastle in their previous League game but their team which drew 0-0 at Stoke looked completely different as the league leaders were edgy and nervous.

"I think Rafa would have been advised to keep his powder dry until nearer the run-in rather than risk inciting one of the most experienced sides in Europe."

Liverpool currently top the league and are four points ahead of Chelsea, and five ahead of Manchester United. If the Red Devils win both of their games in hand though, they would overtake the Merseysiders.

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