Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Liverpool Boss Rafa Benitez Receives Support From Wigan's Roberto Martinez

Arsenal inflicted a sixth Premier League defeat on Liverpool at the weekend. The Gunners overcame a half-time 1-0 deficit to win 2-1, and despite the mounting criticism levelled at Rafa Benitez, Wigan Athletic boss Roberto Martinez insists his compatriot will "provide the answers".

Wigan travel to Anfield on Wednesday evening, and Martinez will be hoping for a further upset. However, the Latics manager predicts a top-four finish for the under-performing Reds.

"Rafael Benitez has huge experience," Martinez told Sky Sports. "He has been in this situation many times before and he will find the answers. It is just a matter of time.

"What tends to happen in these situations is that you get a little bit of a snowball effect because, before the start of the season, expectations were really high, but any squad would be damaged by the number of injuries they have suffered to key players.
"The quality is there," added Martinez. "They showed that in the first half against Arsenal yesterday. They have world-class players and they will turn the corner. I have no doubts about it."

Regarding the club's chances of qualifying for the Champions League - they face stiff competition from Aston Villa, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City - Martinez said: "I still feel Liverpool will finish in the top four. Look at their players. They have huge experience.

"You are not talking about young players or a young team. You are talking about Steven Gerrard, Fernando Torres, Pepe Reina, and Jamie Carragher.

"It is probably the most experienced group of players in world football. What is happening at the moment will not affect them."

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