Source: Telegraph
Liverpool manager Rafael BenÃtez calls for Preimer League fixture list shake-up
The Liverpool manager has reiterated his belief that the 'symmetrical' system used on the continent helps to ensure a more 'level playing field' for clubs. [LNB]Benitez's team, and several thousand supporters, face a round trip of 510 miles for today's lunchtime kick-off with Portsmouth, a situation the Spaniard believes is 'very easy to change' by organising only comparatively local fixtures over Christmas. [LNB] Related ArticlesPortsmouth v Liverpool: match previewEuropa League draw: Liverpool face Unirea UrziceniJamie Carragher: I rejected England call upEuropa League guideArshavin creates a stinkSport on television'I am a foreign manager and people talk about Christmas being a busy time,' he said. 'In Spain, it is the same, and it is good to play to keep up the tradition, but when you analyse it there is not a worse time to travel. [LNB]'It is something to consider because a lot of fans will be on the roads, and maybe it will be snowing, so travelling will be very difficult for them. It would be very easy to change.'[LNB]Benítez favours the system used in Europe where the opening 19 fixtures mirror the return games, organised on a home, then away basis. Liverpool's last two Premier League games were both held at Anfield after trips to Everton and Blackburn. [LNB]'My idea is simple,' he said. 'You do the draw at the beginning of the season and then mirror it for the second half of the league. It would be a level playing field, as they do in Spain, and Italy, and everywhere else. [LNB]'We have the same number of teams, the same TV rights issues, the same press … I don't know why it is not like that in England.' [LNB]Saturday's journey gave him material for a team talk, though. 'Always when you go away you think about your fans. At least you hope you can make them go home happy.' [LNB]
