By Mighty Reds
October 14 2005

Rafa Benitez today moved to deflect the pressure off Peter Crouch and on to himself. The Liverpool manager was shocked at the treatment Crouch received from a few England supporters on Wednesday night Benitez stands firmly behind his player and say’s it is he who takes’s the responsibility if Crouch doesn’t play well because it will be his decision to play him.


Rafa said:

"He is a player for my club and for as long as he works hard, he can be sure everyone at the club and our fans will be with him," said Benitez.

"If he doesn't play well, okay, it's my decision and it's my responsibility, not his. For as long as he's on the pitch wearing a Liverpool shirt, and he's trying to do the things I ask of him, I accept all responsibility. And if we don't play to his needs, we must find the solutions.

"I only care about our supporters - not what other supporters in another stadium are saying.

"I was surprised by what happened and it's a pity. Those responsible don't know a lot about football or understand the game.

"If you've watched the games he's played, and listened to the managers, no-one can say anything other than he's a good player.

"As a manager, I'm convinced he's a good player. I don't feel I need to repeat this all the time because if you've watched our games, you can see this.

"The fact he's in the national team shows a lot of people have the same opinion. All the managers who've worked with him talk well about him.

"Maybe there are better players in England or the rest of the world, but he's still a very, very good player and he will do an excellent job for his club and his country.

"If he is a good player for us, he will stay in the national team. The most important thing he needs to know is he has my support."