Reds are letting Rafa down - Murphy
by Ben Blackmore, 20 July 2008
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Reds are letting Rafa down - Murphy
Former Liverpool star Danny Murphy has cast a gloomy eye over the Anfield club’s title hopes, insisting Rafa Benitez is not getting the backing he deserves.
Murphy, now of Fulham, holds Liverpool extremely dear to his heart having represented his boyhood club for seven successful years.
The 31-year-old midfielder is worried that close friend Steven Gerrard is being restricted by his current role behind Fernando Torres, a situation Murphy hopes will be resolved by the signing of Robbie Keane.
“Last season Steven played just behind Torres, but even if he can adapt to that role, you lose something from the centre of midfield when you take him out,” the 31-year-olf told The Sunday Mirror.
“He has an all-round game. Not only can he score goals, but he can defend and he can tackle. He has to be one of the best two or three in the world in that role.
“To put him back in midfield you have to get someone who can compliment Torres. Robbie Keane is a rumour, and he would be a tremendous signing. He will score goals and make goals for Torres.”
Even if Keane does arrive, as it appears he will do, Murphy fears Liverpool will still lack the necessary flair out wide to sustain a title challenge unless Benitez is given better financial backing.
“You can ask if the players in the wide areas are good enough compared to the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal, who have Cristiano Ronaldo, Joe Cole and Tomas Rosicky.
“If you’re going to win The Premier League, you have to compare the players you have in your positions to those in other teams.
“Is the quality at Liverpool as abundant as it is at other clubs? Maybe not.
“Liverpool don’t seem to have the funds that United and Chelsea have got. That seems strange.
“It seems they are allowed one big signing in the summer instead of two or three, and that might be the difference.
“Rafa is not getting the backing he deserves.”
by Ben Blackmore, 20 July 2008
Have your say Read comments
Reds are letting Rafa down - Murphy
Former Liverpool star Danny Murphy has cast a gloomy eye over the Anfield club’s title hopes, insisting Rafa Benitez is not getting the backing he deserves.
Murphy, now of Fulham, holds Liverpool extremely dear to his heart having represented his boyhood club for seven successful years.
The 31-year-old midfielder is worried that close friend Steven Gerrard is being restricted by his current role behind Fernando Torres, a situation Murphy hopes will be resolved by the signing of Robbie Keane.
“Last season Steven played just behind Torres, but even if he can adapt to that role, you lose something from the centre of midfield when you take him out,” the 31-year-olf told The Sunday Mirror.
“He has an all-round game. Not only can he score goals, but he can defend and he can tackle. He has to be one of the best two or three in the world in that role.
“To put him back in midfield you have to get someone who can compliment Torres. Robbie Keane is a rumour, and he would be a tremendous signing. He will score goals and make goals for Torres.”
Even if Keane does arrive, as it appears he will do, Murphy fears Liverpool will still lack the necessary flair out wide to sustain a title challenge unless Benitez is given better financial backing.
“You can ask if the players in the wide areas are good enough compared to the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal, who have Cristiano Ronaldo, Joe Cole and Tomas Rosicky.
“If you’re going to win The Premier League, you have to compare the players you have in your positions to those in other teams.
“Is the quality at Liverpool as abundant as it is at other clubs? Maybe not.
“Liverpool don’t seem to have the funds that United and Chelsea have got. That seems strange.
“It seems they are allowed one big signing in the summer instead of two or three, and that might be the difference.
“Rafa is not getting the backing he deserves.”
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