Difficult subject this. We all say that we'd do anything to play for Liverpool but this is Yossi's religion, and I won't be surprised or disappointed if he's not involved today if it's something he has to do. Apparently the new Chelsea bloke is not taking training today either.
Benayoun doubt for Brum trip
Sep 22 2007 by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
LIVERPOOL boss Rafa Benitez has had his team selection for today’s visit of Birmingham to Anfield thrown into confusion – by the Jewish Day of Atonement.
Reds midfielder Yossi Benayoun began a 25-hour fast at sunset last night to observe the Jewish Yom Kippur holiday.
The period of fasting will continue until sundown tonight, and has left Benitez pondering whether to include the Israeli international.
Yom Kippur is considered to be one of the holiest and most solemn days of the year by Jews.
It is commemorated in Rabbinic Judaism with a 25-hour fast and intensive prayer.
Benitez was placed in a similar quandary when Momo Sissoko observed a similar fast during the Ramadan festival earlier this year.
On that occasion, however, Sissoko did play.
Benayoun’s religious beliefs may offer a reprieve to Jermaine Pennant, sent off in midweek at Porto.
Benitez admitted that he has spoken to the winger privately since his transgression in Portugal.
“I still have confidence in him,” said Benitez. “He is a good player, he is training well and you cannot criticise him for anything on the pitch.
“He just has to learn.
“You cannot kill a player for making one mistake.
“I have tried to take the positives with him.
“I have spoken to him and I have spoken to the rest of the team.
“Trying to find the positives from the incident . . . I think he was working really hard.
“But I think also think that it will be good for him and good for his team-mates to analyse the situation and try and keep control of things.
“He was trying to show that he is working hard enough for the team, but you must learn from your mistakes and it is something he will learn.”
Pennant could line up against his old club Birmingham today and Benitez added: “He is in the squad and against his former club I think he will try hard again to show he is good enough - especially after this week.”
Benayoun doubt for Brum trip
Sep 22 2007 by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
LIVERPOOL boss Rafa Benitez has had his team selection for today’s visit of Birmingham to Anfield thrown into confusion – by the Jewish Day of Atonement.
Reds midfielder Yossi Benayoun began a 25-hour fast at sunset last night to observe the Jewish Yom Kippur holiday.
The period of fasting will continue until sundown tonight, and has left Benitez pondering whether to include the Israeli international.
Yom Kippur is considered to be one of the holiest and most solemn days of the year by Jews.
It is commemorated in Rabbinic Judaism with a 25-hour fast and intensive prayer.
Benitez was placed in a similar quandary when Momo Sissoko observed a similar fast during the Ramadan festival earlier this year.
On that occasion, however, Sissoko did play.
Benayoun’s religious beliefs may offer a reprieve to Jermaine Pennant, sent off in midweek at Porto.
Benitez admitted that he has spoken to the winger privately since his transgression in Portugal.
“I still have confidence in him,” said Benitez. “He is a good player, he is training well and you cannot criticise him for anything on the pitch.
“He just has to learn.
“You cannot kill a player for making one mistake.
“I have tried to take the positives with him.
“I have spoken to him and I have spoken to the rest of the team.
“Trying to find the positives from the incident . . . I think he was working really hard.
“But I think also think that it will be good for him and good for his team-mates to analyse the situation and try and keep control of things.
“He was trying to show that he is working hard enough for the team, but you must learn from your mistakes and it is something he will learn.”
Pennant could line up against his old club Birmingham today and Benitez added: “He is in the squad and against his former club I think he will try hard again to show he is good enough - especially after this week.”
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