Source: Daily_Mail
Benitez to blame for Liverpool's despair, claims Bruce
Steve Bruce has launched an astonishing attack on former Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez and blamed him for the Anfield club's current despair.[LNB] The Sunderland manager, already guaranteed a hostile reception from Liverpool supporters today because of his playing days at Manchester United, also accused the new Inter Milan boss of unsettling Kenwyne Jones last season and disrupting Sunderland's League campaign in the process.[LNB] Best of enemies: Rafa Benitez (left) and Steve Bruce[LNB] 'I thought Rafa Benitez's behaviour towards us last year was absolutely disgusting and it did affect our season,' said Bruce. 'Roy Hodgson would not go down that route just to highlight Liverpool's problems. That is what Rafa Benitez did with his pursuit of Kenwyne on loan and all that nonsense.'[LNB] Bruce continued his attack by saying that Hodgson, who was appointed as Benitez's successor in July, had inherited 'a very difficult job' and that this week's shock Carling Cup exit was proof that the squad Benitez left behind was not strong enough.[LNB] Bruce said: 'If you look at what he has inherited and the money Rafa Benitez spent, I would expect Roy to think he'd have more strength and depth than he's got.[LNB] Keeping up: Sunderland boss Steve Bruce was unhappy with Liverpool's pursuit of Kenwyn Jones[LNB] 'He has inherited a fantastic club with history and tradition and he's always got the likes of Gerrard, Torres and Cole. But he has inherited a hard job.[LNB] 'I know one thing - he will conduct himself far better than the previous manager and they'll be a lot more respected by all of us in the game.'[LNB] Sunderland have an abysmal record at Anfield. Their last goal there was scored 10 years ago today, and their last victory at the ground was in October 1983, one of only two in the last 50 years.[LNB] But Bruce warned his players about a Liverpool backlash, saying: 'What you always fear with the big teams is that they are angry and wounded and want to restore some pride.' [LNB] Fresh bonus boom for boardroom pay as gravy train steams aheadRed-faced, in the Red.... Red alert! What is wrong with Liverpool?Liverpool v SUNDERLAND: Steve Bruce set to hand start to under fire Titus Bramble[LNB] [LNB]
