View from the stands: Benitez and Jol under pressure

Oct 6 2007 By Larry Moran

IT WAS reported this week that Spurs are considering moving to a new stadium in Enfield in London.

I know imitation is the sincerest form of flattery but I don’t think “This is Enfield” has the same ring to it somehow.

Quite what we witnessed at the real Anfield last Wednesday none of us can really say. The majority view on the home defeat to Marseille in the Champions League is that it was probably the worst performance under Rafael Benitez. No spark, no cohesion and worse, it seemed no real drive or desire.

The debate has raged on whether it’s all down to the dreaded “R” word or just Rafa picking the wrong side or even whether the departure of Pako Ayestaran played a part? As supporters, performances like that worry us but there is nothing we can do to get to the root cause. That is a job for Rafa and the players. Getting out of the Champions League group stages will now be very difficult.

It’s not impossible; but we’ll need to win the back-to-back games with Besiktas coming up to have any chance at all.

Benitez is suddenly under pressure and the visiting manager this weekend can certainly relate to that. In my opinion, the way Martin Jol has been treated by the Spurs board is a disgrace. Spurs are a good side that seem to have lost their way. Maybe Rafa and Martin can compare notes.

Two teams that need to prove a point at Anfield. I expect a good, open, game. Let’s hope the men in Red triumph. Sorry Martin.