By Mark Heys
January 5 2007

Sammy Lee has hit back at comments made by Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez which criticise the style of play which Bolton Wanderers use. Benitez was heavily unsporting towards the Wanderers prior to their Premiership fixtures against the Reds this season and Trotters assistant manager Lee beleives that Bolton deserve much more respect from the Spaniard.

Lee, who made over 200 appearances for Liverpool in his playing days in the 1970's and 1980's, says that there is a serious misconception about the way Bolton play their football.

"We respect other people's opinion and how other clubs play, but we would just hope that they would grant us the same respect, Rafa Benitez's comments were particularly scathing, they were hurtful and very disappointing." said Lee to the Daily Star

"I don't for one minute agree with his views. There is a misconception about Bolton and it has gone on for a long time. And when people criticise us, I take it as a slight on myself because I am part of what Sam is trying to achieve here. We don't criticise what goes on at other clubs. It is just not in our make-up."

Benitez slammed the Wanderers style in the local and national media prior to the New Years Day game at Anfield and was also heavily critical towards the club via his notes in the Liverpool matchday programme.