Gerrard position is right
24 Oct 2006 - 17:26:18
Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez insists he will not be swayed and will continue to play Steven Gerrard on the right of midfield.
The Spanish manager came under-fire following the Reds' dismal showing in their 2-0 defeat at Manchester United on Sunday for playing his skipper on the right side of midfield.
That defeat left Liverpool 11 points adrift of their main title rivals, but despite claims the Gerrard is not happy with the role he is being asked to play, Benitez is adamant he will continue with the tactic.
"I am as happy as Steve McClaren with Steven Gerrard and where he is playing," said the Liverpool boss.
"Steve scored 23 goals last season, playing on the right side of midfield. He is not being played as a right winger.
"He is always getting the ball and coming inside, that is what the role is and he had the best season of his career playing that way.
"England can see that and that is where they are playing him too. Yes, Stevie can play well in central midfield, he could play well anywhere.
"I have talked to Stevie, and he is happy. He is the captain and must be an example for the rest and he knows that the most important thing is the club, the team, the supporters and after that, the players."