Sam backs rotating Rafa
29 Sep 2006 - 11:38:03
Bolton Wanderers manager Sam Allardyce has backed his Liverpool counterpart Rafael Benitez's rotation policy.
The Reds boss has been criticised in some quarters for failing to pick an unchanged side for 93 consecutive matches, but Allardyce understands why the former Valencia coach perseveres with such a policy.
The two teams meet at the Reebok Stadium on Saturday and Allardyce said in the build-up to the encounter: "We don't know what side he'll play.
"Rafa rotates his side exceptionally well and we'll have to wait and see. One thing for sure is the system he plays doesn't change that much so we know how he'll try to play. It's trying to understand what team he'll play that we'll have to cope with.
"Rotating the squad is part of the modern game. Rafa hasn't selected the same side twice for 93 consecutive games, which is incredible.
"However, in 53 matches last season I only named the same side twice. When you have a big squad full of quality you can afford to make changes and it has worked for Liverpool - just look at their record.
"The Liverpool test will be a big challenge for us. They are a quality side who are playing very well at the moment.
"We prepare the players meticulously and we'll have video material to back up how they play which is something we'll share with the players this week."