Pennant slams Benitez

[DannyMan2006]

Pennant - right winger - 3 goals in 3 years
Johnson - right back - 2 goals in 7 games

Nuff said.

That is embarrassing really.

[leftpeg]

So, basically, he's admitting that he's a bit thick and couldn't follow instructions, but then is also too thick to understand that this is likely why his manager didn't have much faith in him.

[Craig_H]

That is embarrassing really.

Aye but not as embarrassing as pennant's 'bigging himself up' comments.

Nobody can cross a ball better than me, if the manager comes to spain he is only coming to see me.

What planet does that kid live on? Even for a stupid footballer, he's ****ing thick as pig****.

[Neil Young]

I hope such stinging criticism from Pennant doesn't get Benitez down too much.

[kev776]

Sack Benitez, bring back Pennant the poacher!!

[Pablo]

I think Benitez should bodyslam him straight back, FIGHT!

[Craig_H]

The best retort would be:

Reporter: What did you make of Jermaine Pennant's recent comments?
Rafa: Who? (looking confused)
Reporter: Jermaine Pennant?
Rafa: As always I am focused on training and coaching my team.

[Lee]

Rafa hits back...

...shame he didn't really tear into him though.

From Sky Sports News.

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has aimed a swipe back at Jermaine Pennant following the Englishman's criticism of his methods.

Pennant hit out at Benitez's man-management skills after accusing the Spaniard of turning him into a robot during his time at Anfield.

The Real Zaragoza man also criticised Dirk Kuyt, who took Pennant's place in Benitez's side, labelling the Dutchman as a failed forward who was accommodated in the team because of his high transfer fee.

Benitez has jumped to Kuyt's defence, hailing the Dutchman's team ethic in not complaining when being converted from a striker to a winger and also suggesting Kuyt would be willing to play anywhere for the Liverpool cause.

"I saw what he [Pennant] had to say, but I don't intend saying too much about him," said Benitez.

"Kuyt's record is there for everyone to see and he doesn't need me to defend him. You only need to look at the impact he has made to see he is picked on merit and has become an extremely important member of our squad.

"He speaks out on the pitch and doesn't have to say a single word to justify his place. He is a striker who is as effective on the wing or as second striker, and, as you can see from his record, he scores goals as well as working hard.

"He is the sort of player who would be good for any manager. We signed him then extended his contract because we knew he was an excellent player and outstanding professional. I could put him in central defence and he would be as good as anyone."

Kuyt's importance to Liverpool is illustrated in that he is only two goals away from equalling Reds legend Ian Rush's tally of 14 European Cup goals.

The former Feyenoord man admits it would be an honour to join the likes of Rush in the Liverpool record books and he is at a loss to explain why he is so prolific in Europe compared to the Premier League.

"To have the chance to maybe draw level with someone like Ian Rush is unbelievable," said Kuyt.

"He is one of the biggest names in the history of Liverpool and it would give me a great feeling if I could manage to do that.

"The milestones are nice but, if you don't have anything to go with them like a trophy, then it is not the same.

"I'm not sure why it has gone so well for me.

"I don't try and do anything different from in the Premier League but I do feel confident going into big Champions League games."

[Nicey]

Pennant is a tool .. just like Bellamy if he had half the common sense or work ethic Kuyt has he could have been a big star as such they will both be decent footballers no more no less

[Tee]

Get over it Pennant. You are a waste of space and have pissed your best chances in your career. Damn, he is so bitter I reckon he will be an Everton player next season.

[Shaggy]

So what did Pennant say about Dirk? Was that barb about "Rafa's favourites" aimed at him?

[dom9]

So what did Pennant say about Dirk? Was that barb about "Rafa's favourites" aimed at him?

That was my interpreation when I first read the original post.

[Skrtelmania]

Am sure I read a longer version of the article (on 6CM I think) where he mentioned Kuyt by name and suggested Rafa having to justify his transfer fee by playing him right wing - ahead of course of a 'specialist' right winger who apparently is the best English crosser of a ball in the world.