BENITEZ USES ZZ TO PLACATE GERRARD!
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Rafael Benitez has warned Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard he cannot expect to get his own way by claiming a central midfield berth for the Reds.
Although Gerrard has made it clear he would prefer to be in the heart of the Liverpool midfield, so far this season Benitez has played him on the right, and then on the left, where he appeared against Chelsea on Sunday.
With Xabi Alonso and Mohamed Sissoko forging an impressive partnership in the Liverpool engine room and Jermaine Pennant supplying pace down the right, Gerrard may be stuck out wide again when Newcastle visit Anfield in the Barclays Premiership on Wednesday night.
But Benitez has pointed to the examples of Zinedine Zidane and Ronaldinho as evidence Gerrard is not the only talented player to be asked to sacrifice himself for the good of the team.
"Steven is happier playing in the middle and we know that but I cannot put Xabi or Momo on the wing," observed Benitez.
"If they are playing well, we know Steven has a lot of quality and we can use him in another position, on the right, the left or behind the main striker, that will benefit the team.
"Zinedine Zidane played on the left many times even though he preferred to play just behind the strikers and Ronaldinho plays on the right, even though he would prefer to be behind the strikers too.
"That's how it is with good players. They can play in any position. Steven is our captain and he knows that."
With no fresh injuries from the unlucky defeat at Stamford Bridge, Benitez is pondering whether to field an unchanged team for the first time in 92 games.
No matter what side he chooses though, the Spaniard will be desperate to pick up three points after a poor start which has seen Liverpool slump to 15th spot in the Premiership.
Having begun the campaign with high hopes of mounting a sustained challenge to Chelsea, Liverpool's title aspirations are already being written off in some quarters.
Yet Benitez is refusing to be deflected from the bigger picture and insists his side will eventually come good.
"Yes, we would have liked more points but there is no sense of panic," he said.
"I know the qualities in this squad and I know we need to remain calm.
"We all want to win every game and be at the top of the table from the beginning until the end.
"But we also have to look at the big picture. We want to win trophies and you cannot win the league in the first week of the season, you need to wait until the end." -
den he buy gonzalez for wad?stevie g in the middle is so much more effective..
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nvm, a sound thrashing by Newcastle tonight shld wake up his bloody idea....Originally posted by stellazio:den he buy gonzalez for wad?stevie g in the middle is so much more effective.. 
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Ah Ben have a niche for being extremely stubborn when he is commiting a mistake.
His initial plan of deploying 4-5-1 formation with Bean Pole have failed after insisting of deploying the formation for half a season.
It is evident that Liverpool midfield is leaking due to absence of Stevie.
I dun agree Sissoko and Alonso have formed an impressive formation.
Ah Ben is just siding his spanish flop. (Alonso was HARDLY involved in the Chelsea and Everton)
Alonso just spray his missile from the half way line and remain at that position.
Sissiko cannot link up his crosses with the striker.
He is just like a headless train.
As for the Absence of Gonzales, even the fans in England dunno WHY Ah Ben is keeping him in the cool after fighting so hard to bring him to Anfield.
Kromkamp have not really been tested before he was booted off to PSV. -
Please come back Harry!!!!!!!!!
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he sent for op.most probaly around christmas den back..Originally posted by Patrik:Please come back Harry!!!!!!!!! 
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even though gerrard look like he can play in right or left winger as well, BUT he is more effective in midfield since he can command better in the middle.
dat ah ben better wake up his idea. -
Originally posted by stellazio:he sent for op.most probaly around christmas den back..
He is my fav Liverpool player after Luis Garcia.
He what injury huh? -
Injured Liverpool star Harry Kewell is set to undergo an operation on his foot later this week.Originally posted by Patrik:
He is my fav Liverpool player after Luis Garcia.
He what injury huh?
Kewell is expected to travel to Australia to go under the knife after having consultations in his homeland earlier this month.
The 27-year-old has been out of action since the World Cup with a foot infection which developed into an arthritic problem and a long-standing groin injury.
Liverpool and Kewell were keen to get to the bottom of his injury problems and they have now decided to send him for an operation to cure his foot.
"Harry has had a follow-up opinion and unfortunately requires further surgery on the foot problem he suffered during the World Cup," said Liverpool spokesman Ian Cotton.
"Again, contrary to some media reports Harry does not have and has never suffered from gout.
"This suggestion originally came from one of his own Australian team-mates during the tournament in Germany and is totally incorrect.
"On his return to Liverpool following the World Cup, Harry was actually diagnosed as having Septic Arthritis — a bacterial infection in the joints of his left foot.
"A primary procedure to drain the infection was performed in July but it will require further surgery to address his subsequent problems.
"The second operation will take place this week in Australia and only after that will we have an accurate idea on the length of his rehabilitation period."
It means Kewell faces an extended spell on the sidelines with early indications suggesting the former Leeds man might be out until Christmas. -
Christmas!!!
Thats so long away...... -
What Benitez said it's logic ma .
To be a World Class player , you just have to adapt , and to excel in different position .
Now it's a good time to show the World , how different it's Steven Gerrard .
If I'm Stevie Gerrard , i wouldn't be angry with Benitez , cos I know , Benitez has always put the club interest first , and so do i . -
I still don't buy it....Gerrard should be playing in the middle..alongside either Alonso or Sissoko...he can rotate among the 3...
Leave the flanks to the more natural wingers... -
no special treatment for star players... either you play or you get out that simple
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I think for home games, you dun need Sissoko. He doesn't contribute.
Alonso is already more or less the holding midfielder. Need two for what?
I prefer Gerrard and Alonso to start at the centre.
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Are you ghimpheng's clone? Are you sure Alonso was HARDLY involved in the CFC match? According to replays, Alonso put Kuyt open who just hit the crossbar and as a little bonusOriginally posted by Medicated Oil:(Alonso was HARDLY involved in the Chelsea)
Al.
LFC had more chances