Benitez explains decision
Posted: Wed Sep 14, 2005 1:12 amBenitez explains why he placed Gerrard along with few others on the bench:
Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has explained that he left Steven Gerrard out of the Champions League win against Real Betis because he was jaded.
He said after the 2-1 win: "We tried to protect Steven, there were a few players in the same condition.
"I felt we needed fresh legs for a very difficult match.
"Some people were tired, including Steven, and we needed to rest players for this match. We must use all our squad to compete in top competitions."
Benitez admitted his side had to surivive difficult moments before sealing a crucial opening win the Champions League group stage.
Early goals from Florent Sinama Pongolle and Luis Garcia put Liverpool on the path to victory.
Benitez said: "We started really well with two goals and good counter-attacks - but after we conceded it was hard.
"We created good positions and had chances as well. But the most important thing is to start with a win."
On his decision to play Peter Crouch up front, the Spaniard added: "We know Peter can keep the ball and give time to the others to go forward."
Liverpool captain Gerrard, who came on as a late substitute, was delighted with the result.
He said: "We've got a big squad of fantastic players and I think you'll see the manager use them throughout the season.
"They were surprised by what we went with - they may have expected Djibril Cisse to start - but Luis Garcia played behind Peter Crouch and it worked well, he popped up with a goal.
"The idea is to pick points up and we've got three so we're happy."
Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has explained that he left Steven Gerrard out of the Champions League win against Real Betis because he was jaded.
He said after the 2-1 win: "We tried to protect Steven, there were a few players in the same condition.
"I felt we needed fresh legs for a very difficult match.
"Some people were tired, including Steven, and we needed to rest players for this match. We must use all our squad to compete in top competitions."
Benitez admitted his side had to surivive difficult moments before sealing a crucial opening win the Champions League group stage.
Early goals from Florent Sinama Pongolle and Luis Garcia put Liverpool on the path to victory.
Benitez said: "We started really well with two goals and good counter-attacks - but after we conceded it was hard.
"We created good positions and had chances as well. But the most important thing is to start with a win."
On his decision to play Peter Crouch up front, the Spaniard added: "We know Peter can keep the ball and give time to the others to go forward."
Liverpool captain Gerrard, who came on as a late substitute, was delighted with the result.
He said: "We've got a big squad of fantastic players and I think you'll see the manager use them throughout the season.
"They were surprised by what we went with - they may have expected Djibril Cisse to start - but Luis Garcia played behind Peter Crouch and it worked well, he popped up with a goal.
"The idea is to pick points up and we've got three so we're happy."
