Liverpool’s record goalscorer Ian Rush has got behind beleaguered boss
Rafa Benitez and backed his former club for Champions League glory.
“Liverpool have a fantastic record in Europe and I genuinely believe whoever wins out of them and Inter will get to the final,” Rush said.
"They are capable of beating anyone in the world and seem to be really up for it in Europe and that’s why no-one wants to play them.
“They have reached two finals in three seasons and beaten some big teams on the way to both Istanbul and then Athens and they could do it again.”
KENNY DALGLISH was this year’s winner of the Bill Shankly Memorial award
and the Liverpool legend used his acceptance speech to back current Reds boss Rafa Benitez.
“The troubles at the club that have been well documented in the media have certainly not done the manager of the players any favours.
“It is time for everyone to get right behind the manager because there is only one person who should be in charge at the football club and that is the manager.”
You can add John Barnes to the list. OK, not his most recent interview which was last night, but can't seem to find that one. Again he supports the manager.
http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverpool-fc/liverpool-fc-news/2008/01/03/john-barnes-rafa-benitez-shouldn-t-be-under-pressure-64375-20311454/John Barnes: Rafa Benitez shouldn't be under pressure
Jan 3 2008
Former Liverpool favourite John Barnes believes Rafael Benitez and Sam Allardyce should not be in danger of losing their jobs.
The pressure is on both managers after disappointing home results in the Barclays Premier League last night.
Liverpool drew 1-1 with Wigan and are 12 points behind leaders Arsenal, albeit with a game in hand, while Newcastle are in the bottom half of the table following a 2-0 home defeat at the hands of Manchester City.
But Barnes believes Reds boss Benitez and Magpies manager Allardyce deserve more time - and pointed the finger at players for not helping the cause of their managers.
He told Radio 5 Live: “I believe Rafael Benitez is the right man but let’s wait and see what happens in the coming weeks and not jump on the doom and gloom bandwagon - I’d expect him to be there for the next season or two.
“Newcastle are like England - they haven’t won anything for a long time - but they should give Sam Allardyce a chance.
“If it’s not working in two or three years then fair enough - but he’s been there for six months.”
Former England winger Barnes, who won 79 caps for his country between 1983 and 1996, played for both Liverpool and Newcastle.
And he added: “I think managers are given a hard ride.
“I’d never accuse players of not trying but if you don’t win a game it’s the manager who will get the stick.
“The players have to take responsibility - they have to buy into what a manager is doing.
“If they don’t you have to change the playing staff - and if that’s not going to happen then the manager will have to go and that’s unfortunate because the manager is the one who wants success for the club.
“Players can get individual success but ultimately the only way the manager is going to get success is if the team are successful.”
