Source: Daily_Mail
Mascherano insists Liverpool players are as much to blame as Rafa Benitez
Holding his hands up: Mascherano[LNB]Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano feels it is unfair manager Rafa Benitez is shouldering the burden of criticism when the players themselves are not performing.[LNB]Benitez's position has come under increased scrutiny in the last few weeks with the club's early exit from the Champions League and FA Cup. [LNB]Seventh-placed Liverpool are 14 points behind Barclays Premier League leaders Chelsea and are four adrift of the Champions League qualification places - although they could alter that with a victory over Tottenham at Anfield on Wednesday. [LNB]Benitez's current problems have been compounded by injuries tostriker Fernando Torres, who will be out for six weeks after undergoingknee surgery at the weekend, Steven Gerrard and Yossi Benayoun. [LNB]TheReds boss is under the greatest pressure of his five-and-a-half yearreign but Mascherano believes the players must take a share of theresponsibility for the club's plight. [LNB] [LNB]'It's easier for them to criticise one manager than 20 players,' said the Argentina captain. [LNB] 'Whenthe team is not playing well, the press criticises the manager and notthe players, but we don't have to pay too much attention. [LNB]'Youhave to realise that when we are playing like this, people willcriticise Rafa. But we are a top side. We need to think about footballand try not to worry too much. [LNB]'We have to work, continue training hard and show all our things on the pitch. [LNB]'The mentality among all of us is really good and we want to take Liverpool to the place it deserves to be.'[LNB] VIDEO: Gerrard and Torres absence will help Spurs, says boss RedknappBenitez forgives Babel after striker apologises over Twitter outburstLiverpool move for Jones and want him in time for Tottenham clashTorres urges Liverpool boss Benitez to bring in another Spanish Kop idolBenitez boosted by successful knee surgery for Liverpool striker Torres LIVERPOOL FC
