I'm convinced he'll be a fantastic player for us once he adapts to English football . He clearly has the talent but he still lacks the fitness to up his game at the moment.
Benitez was inspiration - Gonzalez
Dec 8 2006
By Christopher Beesley Daily Post Staff
WINGER Mark Gonzalez has revealed how Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez offered him crucial support in the darkest hour of his fledgling career.
Gonzalez, 22, was left frustrated after a long spell on the sidelines due to an operation to correct a torn cruciate ligament he had picked up while scoring in Albacete's 3-1 win over Levante in May 2005.
Despite Liverpool's interest in him, the Chilean's move to Anfield had, at the time, been blocked as he was refused a work permit but Gonzalez's spirits were lifted following a telephone call from Benitez.
Gonzalez said: "Rafa rang me after I had an operation. He asked how I was, how my motivation was.
"To be honest I was not too motivated at the time because I was injured, and he helped change that."
It was also Benitez's patience over acquiring a work permit for Gonzalez and continued interest in the player that helped the winger during his long wait for his big move to Anfield to be approved.
He said: "I was angry over not being allowed to join Liverpool.
"We never thought there would be a problem with the permit.
"Then they refused it because Chile were not in the top 70 (of the Fifa rankings).
"It was a very long year of waiting but I always saw Rafa very interested and that made me happy. I was always thinking that eventually I'd be at Liverpool, and finally I'm here."
Gonzalez hopes to be back in contention for Fulham's trip to Anfield tomorrow after overcoming his latest injury setback - a pulled hamstring.
He said: "It's better now and I hope to be back playing at the weekend.
"It was very frustrating to pick the injury up when I did.
"The best way to get used to the pace (of the English game) is to play several games in a row. I think I was playing well in the PSV game, so I was very sad to have to go off."
Gonzalez added: "It's the first time I've been in England and English football is totally different.
"I know I have to get used to it and settle very quickly. When I asked people for more time it wasn't because I felt pressure, it's just that I feel it is normal to need time to settle in.
"But I know as soon as I get fit and settled into English football I will be a very important piece in the team."
Gonzalez's focus currently remains solely on Liverpool after announcing his 'international retirement' in June after a rift with the Chile coach.
He said: "Yes I would like to go back to the national side but right now I haven't said I want to play.
"I have to sort things out with the coach and some people from the national team.
"It's very complicated.
"I quit my country because of a personal problem with the coach.
"If I go back it will be for my family and for myself, no-one else."
Dec 8 2006
By Christopher Beesley Daily Post Staff
WINGER Mark Gonzalez has revealed how Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez offered him crucial support in the darkest hour of his fledgling career.
Gonzalez, 22, was left frustrated after a long spell on the sidelines due to an operation to correct a torn cruciate ligament he had picked up while scoring in Albacete's 3-1 win over Levante in May 2005.
Despite Liverpool's interest in him, the Chilean's move to Anfield had, at the time, been blocked as he was refused a work permit but Gonzalez's spirits were lifted following a telephone call from Benitez.
Gonzalez said: "Rafa rang me after I had an operation. He asked how I was, how my motivation was.
"To be honest I was not too motivated at the time because I was injured, and he helped change that."
It was also Benitez's patience over acquiring a work permit for Gonzalez and continued interest in the player that helped the winger during his long wait for his big move to Anfield to be approved.
He said: "I was angry over not being allowed to join Liverpool.
"We never thought there would be a problem with the permit.
"Then they refused it because Chile were not in the top 70 (of the Fifa rankings).
"It was a very long year of waiting but I always saw Rafa very interested and that made me happy. I was always thinking that eventually I'd be at Liverpool, and finally I'm here."
Gonzalez hopes to be back in contention for Fulham's trip to Anfield tomorrow after overcoming his latest injury setback - a pulled hamstring.
He said: "It's better now and I hope to be back playing at the weekend.
"It was very frustrating to pick the injury up when I did.
"The best way to get used to the pace (of the English game) is to play several games in a row. I think I was playing well in the PSV game, so I was very sad to have to go off."
Gonzalez added: "It's the first time I've been in England and English football is totally different.
"I know I have to get used to it and settle very quickly. When I asked people for more time it wasn't because I felt pressure, it's just that I feel it is normal to need time to settle in.
"But I know as soon as I get fit and settled into English football I will be a very important piece in the team."
Gonzalez's focus currently remains solely on Liverpool after announcing his 'international retirement' in June after a rift with the Chile coach.
He said: "Yes I would like to go back to the national side but right now I haven't said I want to play.
"I have to sort things out with the coach and some people from the national team.
"It's very complicated.
"I quit my country because of a personal problem with the coach.
"If I go back it will be for my family and for myself, no-one else."
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