Source: SKY_Sports
Benitez defends transfer policy
Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has defended his transfer policy - claiming that when he spends big, he gets it right.
The Spaniard has been criticised for bringing players to Anfield who have gone on to flop, while his failure to produce significant homegrown talent has also been scrutinised.
Last season's �20million summer signing of Robbie Keane from Tottenham is often highlighted as Benitez's major mistake, with the striker quickly returning to Spurs in the winter.
But the Reds boss insists that it is only when he spends a small amount of money that he takes risks.
Benitez said in the News of the World: "Players who cost more than �7million, we have 80 per cent success and below this figure we have to take some gambles.
"But if we are spending some money, 80 per cent of signings are good.
"And if we make a mistake, we try to find solutions as quickly as possible because we can't sign four wingers and spend �15m on each winger and still they don't play. Other teams can do this but we can't.
Massive money
"Take Robbie Keane. For different reasons he didn't play at the level that we know he can play but because he's a good player, we brought in a massive amount of money."
The �20m purchase of Alberto Aquilani has also come under the spotlight as the Italy international has yet to play since leaving Roma in August after ankle surgery.
Benitez, though, claims he was given incorrect medical information, adding: "When we were signing him, one of the best doctors in the world said that by the end of August he could be available.
"But we were not signing a player for four or five weeks but for four or five years."
Former Liverpool player John Arne Riise expects Aquilani to prove a success at Anfield, having played with the midfielder at Roma.
"Alberto is the perfect replacement for Alonso," Riise said in the Sunday Mirror.
"When he is fit and ready to play he will show what he is capable of, I am sure. He is a fantastic player on the ball, very technical."
