I don’t need to win trophies, declares under-fire Benitez
UNDER-FIRE Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has attempted to diffuse the mounting pressure on him, insisting he does not have to win a trophy this season to save his job.
The Reds suffered their fifth Premier League defeat of the season at Fulham on Saturday and now face a must-win game against Lyon on Wednesday in the Champions League.
And with his side losing six of their last seven in all competitions, Benitez is coming under intense media scrutiny with some questioning his position – especially in the wake of reported interest from Real Madrid in luring him back to his homeland Spain.
But despite not winning a trophy in three years, Benitez is remaining defiant.“I don’t agree with people when they say you have to win trophies,” he said. “You have to be close and create a group of players that can fight for trophies.”
Since taking charge in 2004,Benitez has brought the Champions League and FA Cup trophies to Anfield, although the coveted Premier League title has eluded him.
Even Benitez’s staunch allies on the Anfield stands are now beginning to show their frustration, but the boss is calling for patience, insisting there is still plenty of points left to play for.
“We got 86 points in the Premier League last year and some people say it wasn’t a good season. But to finish second and close the gap between the top team and us to four points was a massive achievement,” he added.
“Trophies mean a lot to everyone but to see the team progress means you can guarantee you will be there in the future and you can fight for trophies.”