Play for your places says Benitez
Aug 3 2007 by Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo
RAFA Benitez today prepared for Liverpool’s final warm-up games of the summer with a message to his squad: “There are still Premiership places up for grabs.”
The Anfield boss insists he’s still not decided what his starting line-up will be for the first game of the season against Aston Villa next weekend.
And he admits the variety of options now available following a £38m summer transfer spree will keep everyone on their toes.
Benitez says the performance of the players in this weekend’s Rotterdam tournament, as well as their sharpness in training, will determine who gets the nod at Villa Park.
“I have not yet decided who will start the first Premiership game, it’s still too early to say,” said Benitez, as his side headed to Holland for their first game with Shanghai tonight.
“The players know if they show a good level in these games and in training next week, then it will decide what we do. We’re now looking for the players to show their sharpness and form, and we’re seeing improvements every day in training. They know how strong the competition for places now is in every position, and that’s making a difference.
“On Wednesday we organised a full practice match, and the quality and tempo of our play was of a high quality.
“All the new players, Babel, Torres, Leto and Leiva, are adapting to the side and we’re really happy with how they’re doing in training.
“Now the idea is to show the same in the games, but we must remember everything now is about preparing for the Premiership game next week.”
Aug 3 2007 by Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo
RAFA Benitez today prepared for Liverpool’s final warm-up games of the summer with a message to his squad: “There are still Premiership places up for grabs.”
The Anfield boss insists he’s still not decided what his starting line-up will be for the first game of the season against Aston Villa next weekend.
And he admits the variety of options now available following a £38m summer transfer spree will keep everyone on their toes.
Benitez says the performance of the players in this weekend’s Rotterdam tournament, as well as their sharpness in training, will determine who gets the nod at Villa Park.
“I have not yet decided who will start the first Premiership game, it’s still too early to say,” said Benitez, as his side headed to Holland for their first game with Shanghai tonight.
“The players know if they show a good level in these games and in training next week, then it will decide what we do. We’re now looking for the players to show their sharpness and form, and we’re seeing improvements every day in training. They know how strong the competition for places now is in every position, and that’s making a difference.
“On Wednesday we organised a full practice match, and the quality and tempo of our play was of a high quality.
“All the new players, Babel, Torres, Leto and Leiva, are adapting to the side and we’re really happy with how they’re doing in training.
“Now the idea is to show the same in the games, but we must remember everything now is about preparing for the Premiership game next week.”
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