Rafa Benitez: We can't afford to play the blame game at Liverpool
11 Mar 2010 - 02:18:03
Rafa Benitez has admitted a blame culture has crept into Liverpool's play and vowed to eradicate it before it further effects confidence.
The Liverpool manager was dismayed by his side's shortcomings at Wigan on Monday and perturbed when he sat through a re-run of the 1-0 defeat and saw signs of more disarray in the ranks as individual errors were met with accusing stares and pointing fingers.
Point made: Benitez has demanded his Liverpool players stick together
In much the same way as he delivered a candid appraisal of Liverpool's overall deficiencies, Benitez made no attempt to gloss over the latest threat to their chances of remaining in contention for this season's modified targets.
The twin objective of becoming champions of England and Europe has disappeared, but they cling to the hope of finishing fourth in the Barclays Premier League and winning the Europa League.
The latter commands their attention against Lille tonight in the first leg of their last 16 tie and Benitez is demanding a united front from his players after their mounting frustration went on public display in a ninth League defeat this season at the DW Stadium.
He said: 'I don't think is it right to suggest there is any lack of trust between the players. You can look at last season as an example of that. These same players were doing well, playing with confidence and winning games and there was not a problem.
Hugo Rodallega (left) scores against Liverpool
'It is easier when you are winning. I watched the highlights of the Wigan game and you could see what was happening. The keeper was blaming the defenders for something that was wrong and the defenders were blaming the keeper.
'It happens in games but I don't like it. If you are showing your disappointment with that sort of body language it is sending out the wrong message. It is not positive and I don't want to see this sort of reaction.
'I accept that each player is different but it is important to show leadership qualities and the right approach to your team-mates.
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Benitez's motivational qualities are likely to come under scrutiny in the next few weeks as he attempts to banish the anxiety that has had such a stifling effect on the team.
He said: 'Even when we were runners-up with 86 points last season there were times when we were dropping points at home and looking a bit anxious. It is something you have to manage and we have talked about staying calm and what we need to do to maintain control of games.
'It has been a difficult season but I still maintain expectations were too high at the beginning. Even so, I can't remember too many games where I have felt as disappointed as I did at Wigan but we have to put that behind us.
'This is a crucial period for everyone at the club and my job is to concentrate on getting the best out of the players. When I signed my new contract it was because I wanted to stay and fight for this club and that is what I will continue to do.'
