Source: SKY_Sports
Gerrard backs Rafa over gesture
Steven Gerrard has insisted that Rafa Benitez did not show any disrespect to Sam Allardyce during Liverpool's victory over Blackburn.
Benitez made an ambiguous gesture after the Reds scored their second goal and Allardyce thought his opposite number was saying that the game was already over, even though there was almost an hour still to play.
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson agreed with Allardyce and described Benitez's actions as 'arrogant'.
Liverpool's assistant boss Sammy Lee explained on Monday what Benitez had meant by his gesture and Gerrard has now backed up his version of events.
"I was sitting right behind Rafa and I can guarantee that it was in no way trying to disrespect their bench," the midfielder told Sky Sports.
"We had the set-pieces up on the board before the game and he'd told Xabi Alonso to do a certain free-kick.
"Xabi did the opposite but we managed to score from it, so he was basically saying 'don't listen to me, do your own thing'.
"You can understand why Sam's upset but what I didn't understand was why he didn't speak to Rafa and Sammy Lee about it to clear it up after the game. It wouldn't have been an issue."
Gerrard does not believe the row will have an impact on Liverpool's bid to overhaul United and win the Premier League title.
He added: "I don't think it affects the team or the way you play individually - you take not much notice of it and make sure you do your own job properly.
"Rafa's the type of manager to focus on his team. He's not the type who'd get involved with another manager while the game's going on, or disrespect anyone, he's just so focused on making sure the team plays well."
