Source: Daily_Mail
Rafa Benitez must be sacked, says Liverpool legend John Aldridge
Liverpool hero John Aldridge has called for Rafa Benitez to be sacked.[LNB]Former Reds striker Aldridge has hit out at manager Benitez over the Spaniard's tactics and transfers.[LNB]He said: 'This is the lowest point in my lifetime as a Liverpool fan. Rafa's departure would be an upheaval but he would've lost his job by now if he was at another top club. The question is - do Liverpool have the money to pay off the remainder of his contract?'[LNB] On the mark: Aldridge knew how to put the ball in the net during his playing days with Liverpool and he is disappointed with the current situation at Anfield[LNB]Benitez signed a new contract in February 2009 and the deal has four years left to run. [LNB]But Liverpool are eighth in the Premier League, 12 points off leaders Chelsea and four off a Champions League place.[LNB] Aldridge added in Nuts magazine: 'Liverpool must finish in the top four, whatever it takes. Anything else would be a disaster for the club already weighed down in debt.[LNB]'Sadly, I can't see any way they'll claim that final Champions League spot - unless they get back on track soon.[LNB]'Benltez can't claim injuries are the problem, as both [Fernando] Torres and [Steven] Gerrard are now fit and playing.[LNB]Under pressure: Liverpool manager Benitez[LNB]'However, he's still employing baffling tactics - such as sending out a defensive team against the Premier League's bottom club (Portsmouth) and getting beaten.'[LNB]Aldridge scored 63 goals in 104 games for Liverpool between 1987 and 1989 and he believes the team is crying out for someone to take the burden off Torres and Gerrard up front.[LNB]'Torres and Gerrard need support,' he said. 'Apparently, Real Madrid's Ruud van Nistelrooy fancies coming to Liverpool and I reckon he'd be an excellent short-term option.[LNB]' I'd also try to bring in Celtic's Aiden McGeady and even Bolton's Kevin Davies. [LNB]'Robbie Keane, Peter Crouch, Craig Bellamy and Michael Owen could all be wearing Liverpool colours today, yet Rafa relies on an untested kid in David Ngog to start in big games? Now he's reaping the rewards of letting his best players leave.'[LNB] Torres insists Reds can turn around season if they keep faith in BenitezTom Hicks Jnr Kops it as Liverpool director for foul-mouthed fan rantLiverpool flop Voronin completes £1.8m switch to Russians Dynamo MoscowArsenal and Liverpool target Chamakh vows quick decision on his futureEverton striker Louis Saha's wage demands won't scare off ArsenalLIVERPOOL FC
