Source: Liverpool_Echo
Rafael Benitez pays tribute to Glen Johnson after spakling debut: Liverpool FC latest
RAFA BENITEZ paid tribute to Glen Johnson after his new £17m defender enjoyed a sparkling home debut.
The raiding right-back scored a spectacular volley and was a constant threat to Stoke with his penetrating bursts down the flank.
The Reds boss said: "We were looking for a player with quality going forward and he has created a lot of chances in attack and also scored a very good goal.
"Our idea was to improve, to have more quality in the wide areas and he showed this. The first goal was important, the second one made a big difference because they had to go forward and we had more space to create more. But we were patient, we were moving the ball, passing it around and we had some good chances."
Benitez also laughed off the rumours which swept the city yesterday claiming he had quit the club.
One major bookmaker even stopped taking bets on him leaving Liverpool.
"They told me," smiled Benitez. "I was at Melwood. It's the kind of thing that can happen sometimes.
"My commitment is 100 per cent. I have said before I decided to stay here for the fans, for the staff, for the players.
"I would say we have nearly done the deal for Kyrgiakos, subject to a medical, so we are trying to bring another player in and we will see if we can compete with the squad we have."
There was another injury scare for the Reds when Fernando Torres left the field in the first half for stitches in yet another head wound to a Liverpool star.
"We are top of the table for stitches now. I think that's 23," joked Benitez. "Carra had 10 or 12, Torres had a lot and there were five for Skrtel so it's fantastic!"
Benitez also paid tribute to Brazilian midfielder Lucas.
