Anfield hero Kennedy lets rip at Rafa's Reds as Benitez blows it against Lyon

21 October 2009 11:40
Liverpool legend and European Cup winner Alan Kennedy delivered a damning verdict on Rafa Benitez's side after they were beaten by Lyon. Kennedy questioned the effectiveness of Javier Mascherano and Lucas in the 2-1 defeat at Anfield. Yossi Benayoun fired Liverpool ahead but the French outfit fired back to make it four defeats in a row for the Reds for the first time since 1987. alan kennedy Highlight: Kennedy scores the winner against Real Madrid in the 1981 final Kennedy, who won Europe's top prize in 1981 and 1984, said: 'The indifferent form has been coming and when the key players are out they struggle. Without Fernando Torres in the team they didn't have much going forward. They're a different team then. (David) Ngog did his best but there was no cutting edge. 'There wasn't much creativity in midfield. They found it difficult to break down Lyon and after taking the lead couldn't kick-on from there. Do Mascherano and Lucas do enough going forward? Many would say they don't but the manager has no strength in depth. 'The fans and players became frustrated and Lyon got the winner. The whole team were poor, no exceptions. rafa benitez Don't look now: Benitez (centre) had little to smile about on the bench 'The way they've been playing is very disappointing especially after finishing second (in the Premier League) last time. There is a severe lack of confidence and while many are the same players from last year they are not playing well. 'They are conceding goals for fun. They know they can play better than this and it's up to the manager to get the best out of them. sami hyypia Left a hole: Hyypia 'Every game is now a must-win match and if Torres isn't there against Manchester United on Sunday they must find other players who will stand up and be counted.' Kennedy also reckons Benitez was wrong to let central defender Sami Hyypia join Bayer Leverkusen at the end of the last campaign. 'I thought Sami was a great player for Liverpool. He left last season and we miss him...his authority and leadership. We haven't replaced him,' he said. 'I think they have conceded nine goals from set pieces and having someone like him there would have helped.'

Source: Daily_Mail