Source: Daily_Mail
Rafa Benitez under fire: Albert Riera rap threatens Liverpool loyalty call
Rafa Benitez's demands for a show of loyalty from his players were thrown back in his face by Albert Riera.[LNB]HE'S (NOT) BEHIND YOU, RAFA...Bad student: Rafa Benitez instructs his players at Mellwood on Wednesday, but Albert Riera seems to have other things on his mind[LNB] [LNB] [LNB] The Liverpool boss hailed a show of loyalty from goalkeeper Pepe Reina yesterday and called for others to follow suit and put an end to any suggestions of dressing-room unrest.[LNB]But his rallying call, on the eve of tonight's Europa League last-16return leg with Lille at Anfield, was ignored by out-of-favour wingerRiera, who called Benitez's credentials as a manager into question,saying: 'We have never played nice football. It has been effective,yes, but we have not played brilliantly.[LNB] 'When you stop being important for the coach it has to be somethingpersonal. If I am doing things badly and you are my boss and you valueme, you are going to tell me what I have to do to get back playing.That is what hurts me. It is a lack of tact.[LNB] 'It seems strange that being Spanish there should be a problem with communication.[LNB] 'I have been here two years and he has never sorted out a situationwith a player by talking to him. He thinks that it is him in charge andhe is deaf to everything else. The dialogue is practically nil.[LNB] 'This year has been difficult and he has changed nothing. When yousee that the boat is sinking and you don't change anything...'[LNB]The Liverpool manager had openly criticised his players' demeanour and demanded a more positive approach.[LNB] The 1-0 defeat in Lille last Thursday did not help team spirit, buthe welcomed an imminent breakthrough in contract talks with Reina. [LNB]The Liverpool keeper is ready to commit to a new long-term dealdespite uncertainty over finances and ownership at Anfield. Benitezsees him as a standard-bearer for club unity.[LNB] Safe hands: Liverpool keeper is ready to commit to a new long-term dea[LNB] [LNB] With Javier Mascherano yet to resolve his long-term future and Fernando Torres airing his concerns over Liverpool's current plight by calling for a high-levelrecruitment drive in the summer, Reina's declaration of intent couldnot have been more timely.[LNB] 'Pepe and his family are very happy here, and he is settled,' saidBenitez. 'He's a great character who loves the fans and they love him,so everything is good for him.[LNB] 'It is important to show that sort of commitment. Maybe it can be anexample for the other players. If so, that would make it easier to talkabout the future of the club.'[LNB]Reina confirmed he was about to sign a new long-term agreement andurged Liverpool followers to recreate the atmosphere normally reservedfor Champions League nights against Lille.[LNB] 'I am going to stay longer, and there should be an announcement inthe next few weeks,' he said. 'I am really happy with the club and theyseem happy with me.[LNB] 'The Lille game is massive for us because it is the last option for a trophy.[LNB] 'It is going to be really tough for us now, after losing in France,because it allows them to play to their strengths, to defend deep andthen attack on the counter.' [LNB] Making a point: Dirk Kuyt and Steven Gerrard in training[LNB]Elimination would leave Liverpool with nothing to play for, other than an uphill struggle forfourth place, but Benitez insisted he should not be condemned on theevidence of one bad season.[LNB]'The long-term future of the club matters too much for judgments tobe made on one season, good or bad,' he said. 'My responsibility is tofocus on preparing the team for each game, rather than think about myposition and whether I will still be here next season.[LNB] 'If you have a bad season, it is really disappointing for everyone, but this happens at lots of clubs.'[LNB] Liverpool have set a deadline of Easter Monday for offers of newinvestment, while Benitez brushed aside any worries over StevenGerrard, who was cleared of swinging a forearm at Portsmouth midfielderMichael Brown, just as he escaped punishment for an apparent V-signtowards referee Andre Marriner against Wigan a week earlier.[LNB] 'The rules are very clear and because the referee saw the incidentagainst Portsmouth, it could not go any further,' he said. 'Thesethings can happen in a game and I don't think there is any frustrationin Steven's play.'[LNB] Alberto Aquilani looks certain to be ruled out with a virus [LNB] Rafa Benitez's Pepe talk - Liverpool boss says: Be loyal like ReinaManchester United, City, Liverpool or back to Chelsea - where next for Jose Mourinho?Could Manchester City be lured by Jose Mourinho's seduction line?[LNB]
