The fly on the wall in Rafa Benitez’s office at Melwood on Thursday will certainly have a story to tell.
Ryan Babel had some serious explaining to do following his return from international duty.
The Dutchman’s outburst while he was away with his national side was as ill advised as it was nonsensical.
Benitez has shown remarkable faith in a player who has repeatedly flattered to deceive since he arrived on Merseyside for £11.5million from Ajax two years ago.
His first season offered real promise with 10 goals in 49 appearances – including memorable Champions League strikes against Arsenal and Chelsea.
But last season he failed to kick on and made only 13 starts with a further 29 outings off the bench.
The temptation to offload the 22-year-old this summer must have been great, especially as the manager needed to raise funds to make signings.
But Benitez decided to persevere with him and made a point on the tour of the Far East of taking every possible opportunity to talk up the winger.
The Reds boss believed this would finally be the season when Babel came good and realise his obvious potential. Instead it’s been a case of more of the same.
Babel had a big chance to shine at Spurs on the opening weekend of the campaign but he blew it.
Off the pace and showing an alarming lack of desire, it was no surprise to see him consigned to the bench for the clash with Stoke.
A brief cameo against Aston Villa followed before he didn’t even make the squad for the trip to Bolton.
Babel could have no complaints but he reacted by claiming Benitez had “broken promises” about more playing time this season.
The manager may well have told him he would have more chances to play but it’s fair to assume Babel made promises of his own, which he has failed to keep, about putting in a proper shift.
Admitting that he would be up for heading home on loan in January smacks of a player who lacks the stomach to fight for his place.
Benitez’s patience with the Dutchman must be wearing thin and Babel is likely to have copped a dressing down for his recent outburst.
However, the Reds’ tough schedule of six matches in the next 17 days means he is likely to get the chance to redeem himself.
Babel has some serious thinking to do. At Liverpool he has the stage to make history and become one of the Premier League’s hottest talents.
Alternatively, he could join the long list of flops who promised a lot and delivered little, and slip back into the relative ignominy of Dutch football.
What is clear is that Babel is now drinking in the last chance saloon at Anfield.
Ryan Babel had some serious explaining to do following his return from international duty.
The Dutchman’s outburst while he was away with his national side was as ill advised as it was nonsensical.
Benitez has shown remarkable faith in a player who has repeatedly flattered to deceive since he arrived on Merseyside for £11.5million from Ajax two years ago.
His first season offered real promise with 10 goals in 49 appearances – including memorable Champions League strikes against Arsenal and Chelsea.
But last season he failed to kick on and made only 13 starts with a further 29 outings off the bench.
The temptation to offload the 22-year-old this summer must have been great, especially as the manager needed to raise funds to make signings.
But Benitez decided to persevere with him and made a point on the tour of the Far East of taking every possible opportunity to talk up the winger.
The Reds boss believed this would finally be the season when Babel came good and realise his obvious potential. Instead it’s been a case of more of the same.
Babel had a big chance to shine at Spurs on the opening weekend of the campaign but he blew it.
Off the pace and showing an alarming lack of desire, it was no surprise to see him consigned to the bench for the clash with Stoke.
A brief cameo against Aston Villa followed before he didn’t even make the squad for the trip to Bolton.
Babel could have no complaints but he reacted by claiming Benitez had “broken promises” about more playing time this season.
The manager may well have told him he would have more chances to play but it’s fair to assume Babel made promises of his own, which he has failed to keep, about putting in a proper shift.
Admitting that he would be up for heading home on loan in January smacks of a player who lacks the stomach to fight for his place.
Benitez’s patience with the Dutchman must be wearing thin and Babel is likely to have copped a dressing down for his recent outburst.
However, the Reds’ tough schedule of six matches in the next 17 days means he is likely to get the chance to redeem himself.
Babel has some serious thinking to do. At Liverpool he has the stage to make history and become one of the Premier League’s hottest talents.
Alternatively, he could join the long list of flops who promised a lot and delivered little, and slip back into the relative ignominy of Dutch football.
What is clear is that Babel is now drinking in the last chance saloon at Anfield.
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