Source: Telegraph
Rafael Benitez claims he has put Liverpool back on the map
In an interview with the Times, the Spaniard, who has come under fire following Liverpool's poor start to the season, answers the criticism that has come his way. [LNB]On whether Liverpool can turn their season around: [LNB] Related ArticlesRafael Benitez: I'll quit if Liverpool sell TorresChasing the dream will take clubs to the wallBenitez keen to kickstart season with City winIreland rules out Republic recallBrazil puts winning ahead of beautiful gameLucas feeling the heat at Liverpool"People are worried but the team will improve. When we have key players on the pitch we are as good as anyone. We have proved this in the past." [LNB]On Liverpool's 'financial crisis': [LNB]"In 2004 the squad was worth, what, £100 million? Now perhaps we have one player worth that. The whole squad? Maybe £250 million. [LNB]"The club was nearly sold for £85 million five years ago. Now the price is £500 million. We must be doing something right." [LNB]On his infamous rant about Sir Alex Ferguson: [LNB]'I thought it was the best way to put things across and that people would see something that everybody knew and maybe no one could say. I said it. I was talking about facts. Now the situation is different..."[LNB]On transfers: [LNB]"When I arrived we had a lot of players we needed to change - the first team were bad and it was the worse for the reserves. We had to buy fringe players and take a gamble. Some of these players have been good and some not good enough for us. It's a risk you have to accept when you have not got too much money available." [LNB]On his involvement with the academy: [LNB]"This is the first year of my second five years and the first time I can have some influence in the academy. We are trying to build something and leave a legacy for the future. [LNB]"I want to see the academy producing local players. We didn't produce too many so we had to look elsewhere to be able to find the new generation of players that will be at the heart of the team and the club. We need local players." [LNB]On bringing back Kenny Dalglish in an ambassadorial role: [LNB]"He was a good signing, no? He is someone who knows the club, has a very good mentality and is strong enough mentally to defend the club as an ambassador. With his role in the academy, he attracts players." [LNB]
