Liverpool v Tottenham:RAFAEL BENITEZ has laughed off speculation he had a bust-up with Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard during the FA Cup defeat by Reading. Reports have claimed Benitez and Gerrard rowed at half-time during last week's third-round replay at Anfield, which Liverpool lost 2-1 in extra-time.
But, speaking ahead of tonight’s crunch Premier League game against Tottenham, Benitez brushed off the rumours of a falling-out with the influential midfielder. “We have been joking about the rumours in the media that there was a fight,” said the Liverpool boss. “There was nothing. We have been laughing about it.”
Gerrard will miss the visit of Spurs due to a hamstring injury, while Fernando Torres, Yossi Benayoun and Glen Johnson are also absent. Daniel Agger could be available after a groin complaint as Benitez provided the latest update on the club’s injury situation. He added: “Fernando is feeling better after his operation. He will be out for more or less the six weeks we were expecting, but it’s always better to be cautious. Yossi has a broken rib and so just needs time and Glen Johnson is improving.”
Benitez also launched a staunch defence of his record at the club. He insists there have been huge improvements since he took over in the summer of 2004 and that has restored pride among the staff and fans. However, this season Liverpool have already suffered early exits from the Champions League and the FA Cup and are only seventh in the Premier League, 14 points behind leaders Chelsea.
“The difference between the club before (Benitez’s arrival) and now is massive in terms of money, the value of the squad and the pride of the fans,” said the Liverpool boss. “When I arrived here the club needed to win and the people had been talking about (winning) championship for 19 years. We won the Champions League (in his first season) after 21 years and we are the only club in England that has the trophy (to keep) for five wins. As a club we have pride again and that is important.”
Despite the pervading air of gloom which seems to be associated with them, Liverpool are unbeaten in their last three league matches and only a last-minute equaliser at Stoke on Saturday prevented their tally being nine points in that time. A victory over Tottenham at Anfield would put them just a point behind their fourth-placed visitors.
