Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has come in for renewed criticism from Kop legend Mark Lawrenson, who believes it is time for the Anfield club to say “goodbye” to the Spaniard.
Benitez’s agent revealed on Thursday that discussions have taken place with Serie A side Juventus with a view to him becoming their next manager and former Liverpool defender Lawrenson believes that the timing of this announcement – coming as it did just 24 hours after the 21st anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster – shows a marked lack of respect to the denizens of Anfield.
Lawrenson is not the first Liverpool legend to speak out against Benitez and, although the Spaniard remains popular with the Anfield faithful, it looks increasingly likely that only Europa League success at the end of the season could prolong his stay as Liverpool manager.
He said: “Rafa Benitez has an appalling sense of timing and it may just be that the Liverpool fans will finally turn on the manager.
“Hillsborough is an open wound still on Merseyside. With such a long struggle and such a big event for so many people, Rafa's current tussle is put into very stark perspective. The timing is shocking. It's ill judged and insensitive.”
Lawrenson added: “The club is a soap opera right now. Will a new owner come in and try to keep Rafa? We really don't know. Nor does Rafa and maybe that's why he's looking elsewhere.
“But would you give him backing in the transfer market? His record is shocking. He has bought so many players and yet his revolving door transfer policy has hardly taken the club forward or improved the squad. There have been far too many duds.
“It's time for Rafa to go. It's been six years and it's time for Liverpool to say: ‘Thanks very much and goodbye.’”
Benitez’s agent revealed on Thursday that discussions have taken place with Serie A side Juventus with a view to him becoming their next manager and former Liverpool defender Lawrenson believes that the timing of this announcement – coming as it did just 24 hours after the 21st anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster – shows a marked lack of respect to the denizens of Anfield.
Lawrenson is not the first Liverpool legend to speak out against Benitez and, although the Spaniard remains popular with the Anfield faithful, it looks increasingly likely that only Europa League success at the end of the season could prolong his stay as Liverpool manager.
He said: “Rafa Benitez has an appalling sense of timing and it may just be that the Liverpool fans will finally turn on the manager.
“Hillsborough is an open wound still on Merseyside. With such a long struggle and such a big event for so many people, Rafa's current tussle is put into very stark perspective. The timing is shocking. It's ill judged and insensitive.”
Lawrenson added: “The club is a soap opera right now. Will a new owner come in and try to keep Rafa? We really don't know. Nor does Rafa and maybe that's why he's looking elsewhere.
“But would you give him backing in the transfer market? His record is shocking. He has bought so many players and yet his revolving door transfer policy has hardly taken the club forward or improved the squad. There have been far too many duds.
“It's time for Rafa to go. It's been six years and it's time for Liverpool to say: ‘Thanks very much and goodbye.’”
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