Premier League - Benitez: Our squad is strong

Eurosport - Thu, 13 Nov 18:02:00 2008

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has defended his decision to field reserves against Tottenham, insisting there is enough strength in depth in his squad.

FOOTBALL 2008-2009 Carling Cup Tottenham-Liverpool Ryan Babel Alan Hutton - 0

While Arsenal's youngsters looked ready for the top flight when they booked their place in the Carling Cup quarter-final earlier in the week, Benitez's second-string struggled at White Hart Lane and were defeated 4-2.

"They are internationals and have quality, but we didn't play well," said Benitez.

"I think they can still do well. When you have two or three not playing well, though, it's difficult for the others to keep up their levels.

"The young players need to play more games like this - win some games, lose some games, gain some experience."

Liverpool remain second in the Premier League but there will now be doubts whether Benitez's squad players are ready to step in when suspensions and injuries rule out the first-team regulars.

"If the team goes to Bolton and wins, we'll still be top of the table and everyone will be talking about our priorities," added the Spaniard.

"We're disappointed because I want to win every game. We had a lot of quality in that team and wanted to win. But you have to think about priorities.

"The Champions League and the Premier League are the priorities. After that, the FA Cup."

Sporting Life / Eurosport

Comment 1 - 14 of 34

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  1. i think liverpool coach should leave and lfc fans­ should get ramos and poyet instead

    From Paul T, on Thu 13 Nov 4:06PM

  2. RAFA IS BLIND HE NEEDS TO EXIT TO THIS CLUB.

    From MaYuMi, on Thu 13 Nov 3:44PM

  3. RAFA HAS TO GO OR LFC WILL WIN F*** ALL YET AGAIN

    From U R SOLES, on Thu 13 Nov 3:24PM

  4. watch the game and shut the @#$% up

    From iskandar, on Thu 13 Nov 3:13PM

  5. Hey, Willy (com. no. 2)!
    Apart from the Champions­ League cup, Liverpool has won the Uefa Super cup, the­ FA cup, the Community shield under Benitez and they­ were runners-up for the League cup and Champions­ League. So if you're into comparisons, I'd say­ it beats the League cup Spurs won last year.

    From Malaguena S, on Thu 13 Nov 3:11PM

  6. Surely Benitez can't be talking about the 11 that­ turned up last night?'Cos that's all they­ did..........

    From marko, on Thu 13 Nov 3:09PM

  7. not so fast Buzz
    the scoreline will be the same when­ the Pool visit OT...Liverpool win 2-1
    and that's­ even if you can keep Ronaldo Wonderful out of the clubs­ and br***els and Rooney out of jail

    From yankeered9119, on Thu 13 Nov 2:56PM
  8. Comment hidden due to its low rating. Show

    We hear the same @#$% every year...
    "Emmm, our­ name is on the trophy this season, Emmmm"
    Another­ year the Scousers get sod all...

    GLORY GLORY MAN UTD!

    From Buzz, on Thu 13 Nov 2:21PM

  9. I'm wondering did anyone have money on Burnley last­ night? I heard they were something like 20/1, which is­ pretty amazing in a two horse race. Also, would you get­ a payout for winning on penalties?

    Delighted to see­ Pav and young Campbell bag a brace each last­ night.
    COYS!

    From jheggar, on Thu 13 Nov 1:49PM

  10. am i blacklisted i keep getting invalid comment when i­ try to submit

    From ned n, on Thu 13 Nov 1:34PM

  11. speak for yourself absalom i lumped on spurs last night

    From ware685, on Thu 13 Nov 1:24PM

  12. to all the betting pl, never bet on either of these­ teams coz they will always do the exact opposite of wat­ u put yo money on.
    even when they playn other teams

    From Absalom, on Thu 13 Nov 1:05PM

  13. Yeah right Benitez, your squad is shallower than a­ puddle!
    Spurs rested players too and had it not been­ for 2 goalkeeping @#$% ups would have been even more­ emphatic, liverpool never looked like scoring, whilst­ spurs looked threatening every time they had the ball.­ Plessis, El zahr, Dossena, Lucas, Ngog simply not good­ enough. Spurs rest Bentley have Lennon, they rest­ Woodgate and King and have Dawson and Corluka, rest­ Bent and Modric and have Pavyluchenko. Finally a­ European cup apart what have Liverpool won recently­ that Benitez can dismiss this cup. Come on Spurs!!

    From william, on Thu 13 Nov 1:02PM

  14. di rafa actual watch the game last night? jesus christ­ these guy are just collecting the pay packet.

    From www.wildmanfishing.com, on Thu 13 Nov 1:02PM
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