Kop will give its backing to Rafa Benitez

Nov 27 2007 by Alan Weston, Liverpool Daily Post

LIVERPOOL FC fans are expected to make a mass show of support for their beleaguered manager Rafael Benitez at tomorrow’s crucial Champions League game at Anfield.

As the fate of the manager continues to hang in the balance after a public falling-out with the club’s American owners, Tom Hicks and George Gillett, supporters’ groups and fans’ websites have pledged to stand by Mr Benitez.

This will take the form of pro-Benitez flags and banners being waved at tomorrow’s game against Porto, which Liverpool must win if they are to progress in the UEFA competition.

Meanwhile, an online petition in support of Mr Benitez, launched on Sunday, was heading towards 5,000 names last night.

Les Lawson, secretary of the Merseyside branch of the Official Liverpool Supporters’ club, said: “The vast majority of fans are appalled at the thought of even axeing Rafa. It would be a massive mistake and a massive backward step for the club. Hicks and Gillett don’t know what they’re taking on if they take on Liverpool supporters.

“We will be making our feelings known in no uncertain terms on Wednesday night with banners and flags.

“We just hope common sense prevails and the owners give Rafa their backing.”

Rick Pedder, chairman of another group – the Liverpool FC Supporters’ club – said: “Rafa could be one of the best managers we’ve ever had. He just needs to be given that opportunity.

“There is a mixture of anger and disbelief among fans over how things have turned out. It’s just got to be sorted out one way or the other.

“He’s got the support of the vast majority of fans. There may be one or two who don’t like his style or think he’s a bit arrogant, but they are few and far between.”

Independent Liverpool FC website Red and White Kop is calling on fans to stage a show of support for Mr Benitez outside the Sandon pub, in Oakfield Road, before the start of tomorrow night’s game, and to sing and chant his name during the match.

The website says: “We call on all Liverpool supporters to unite and publicly display their devotion to our manager.”

Meanwhile, the petition, organised by the This is Anfield website, is addressed directly to Hicks and Gillett.

It says: “Rafael Benitez is a huge asset to Liverpool, more than any player, and any club in the world would be delighted to have him under the same contract we do. If you truly are behind this club, and you want to bring us as much as you said you did, then you will understand how important it is.” The rift began when Mr Benitez openly criticised Hicks and Gillett for holding up his transfer plans.

Yesterday, though, reports indicated he was willing to work towards reconciling his differences with the club’s US owners.

The owners refused to back Benitez in a statement, leading to widespread reports that the Spaniard’s sacking was a case of “when rather than if”.

alanweston@dailypost.co.uk