Monday, June 21, 2010

Martin Skrtel Believes Changes Were Needed Before Departure Of Rafa Benitez

Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel has become the first player to publicly discuss the departure of former Reds' manager Rafael Benitez, insisting he believes it was the right time for the Spaniard to leave.

Skrtel, who is preparing for Slovakia's World Cup 2010 game against Paraguay on Sunday, revealed Benitez sent a text to each individual player after it was announced he would be leaving Anfield.

The Spanish coach, who is now in charge of Champions League winners Inter Milan, also reserved special praise for the Slovak, thanking him for his contribution and wishing him luck for the future.

"The management needed to make some changes and they sacked Rafa [Rafael Benitez], and what can we do?" the 25-year-old told the Independent.

"Nothing. We are only players and we have to wait for the new management."

With reports linking Fulham boss Roy Hodgson with the managerial hot-seat at Anfield, Skrtel admitted he was unsure as to who will be Benitez's successor.

"I don't know. Rafa brought me to the club and I'm glad about that and I thank him for that," he added.

"Now we have to wait for the new management. We will try to do better than this season."

Liverpool finished a under-par seventh in the Premier League during 2009-10, as well as suffering early exits from both domestic cup competitions.

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