Source: Liverpool_Echo
Xabi Alonso gives Rafa Benitez backing - Liverpool FC latest
Xabi Alonso 300[LNB]XABI ALONSO today backed Rafa Benitez to transform Liverpool's season as he insisted there is nobody better to manage the Reds.[LNB]Benitez's decision to sell Alonso to Real Madrid has been cited by many as the reason Liverpool have struggled but the midfielder says nothing could be further from the truth.[LNB]Though now settled into life in the Bernabeu, Alonso has been keeping in contact with his old team-mates and watching as many of their games as has been possible.[LNB]It is clear that Alonso is as upset as Liverpudlian at present but, in a timely show of support, he maintains Benitez has the experience and quality to turn the tide. [LNB]"It's not the Liverpool way to sack a manager after a few bad results early in the season. They have full confidence in him and he is the right man for the club," said Alonso. [LNB]"I think he's a great manager. He's capable of managing the squad he has got right now. He has been making decisions for a long time. [LNB]"It wouldn't be a good decision to change the manager. I still have great respect for him. I'm very grateful to him for the five great years I had at Liverpool. [LNB]"He knows the squad very well and works with them on a daily basis. The situation isn't the best right now but he knows how to turn it around."[LNB]Alonso, inevitably, has heard all the theories regarding his departure and Liverpool's poor form but none sit comfortable with him.[LNB]"Everyone knows in football, whenever things aren't right, the best player is always the one that isn't there," he said. "It's a new season, they still have a lot of good players. [LNB]"(Alberto) Aquilani will hopefully be fit soon. I know what's going on because I keep in contact with my former team-mates and hopefully things will be ok."
