Source: Daily_Mail
Benitez fearful of Shearer's Newcastle passion play
Rafael Benitez thinks Alan Shearer has installed passion for the cause into his desperate Newcastle side. [LNB]Temporary boss Shearer has yet to taste victory in his spell asmanager of the relegation-threatened Magpies, who are stuck in the dropzone, three points adrift of safety. [LNB] Passion: Alan Shearer has instilled passion at Newcastle - but will it be too late to save them from the drop?[LNB] LIVERPOOL FC: All the latest news from across the webNEWCASTLE UTD: All the latest news from across the webUnited and Liverpool are set for summer tug-of-war over LennonAnd tomorrow the former England captain faces a severe examination at Anfield against a side still going for the title. [LNB]But Liverpool boss Benitez believes his own team will face a side now with rediscovered belief. [LNB]Benitez said: 'It is a difficult situation when a club keeps changing the manager. [LNB]'Alan Shearer is there now but it is too soon to know what real effect that has had. [LNB]'But I have watched some videos of games, and I could see the passion from their team and the work-rate, they are trying very hard to make things change. [LNB]'We beat them 5-1 away this season, but this time it will be different. It is so close to the end of the season and they are fighting for their lives so it will be a tough game.'[LNB]He added: 'We do not expect to score five again, it is too important now for them and us. It will not be easy in any way. [LNB]'They are under pressure, against Portsmouth in midweek they were working very hard and their commitment was fantastic. [LNB] Toon task: Rafael Benitez says Liverpool have to be wary of desperate Newcastle[LNB]'They are playing for something now. They will fight for everything to the end. [LNB]'I have been surprised to see them where they are. They have good players with quality and energy, it is strange. [LNB]'But that is football, they have fine players like Michael Owen so it is hard to explain why they are in this situation.' [LNB]Liverpool will have skipper Steven Gerrard back following a groin problem, and the Merseysiders have no other injury problems. [LNB] And Benitez still believes there is a chance of taking the title, despite Manchester United's lead at the top. [LNB]He said: 'We have to win every game, take three points and then see what happens to Manchester United. [LNB]'They are in a better position than us but I still believe they will slip-up. [LNB]'They have some very difficult games, but we have to do our job and you never know what will happen. [LNB]'They have to play Arsenal and Manchester City, difficult games, so hopefully they will make some mistakes.' [LNB]And Benitez has also been quick to deny speculation that he may sell Xabi Alonso in the summer to fund a transfer spree, while making it clear that Javier Mascherano will also be staying despite interest from other clubs. [LNB]Benitez said: 'Javier is happy here, with the fans, the club and the manager. I have had a very positive conversation with him. [LNB]'He has already said no to one club, a good side. He wants to stay but he cannot stop big clubs asking about him. [LNB]'If you are a top class player, people are always asking about you. [LNB]'He has tried to be polite and correct. Now I have had a conversation with him and it was very clear he wants to continue to play for us, I do not see this as a big problem. [LNB]'The conversation with him was very honest and he was very clear about things. [LNB]'These things happen always in football, clubs all around the world will work like this. It is just part of the situation that exists at the top level. [LNB]'Clearly we do not want to lose key players. Players like Mascherano and Xabi Alonso have long contracts so we are in a strong position, while we are very close now to sorting out Daniel Agger's position here. [LNB]'He wants to stay and maybe we will soon have a solution to the problem. Danny is a player with a big future here.'[LNB] [LNB]
