COMMENT: Are Liverpool FC fans now missing the point?

Feb 4 2008 by Gareth Bicknell, Liverpool Daily Post

THE Kop defiantly chanted Rafael Benitez’s name as Liverpool’s hard-fought victory over Sunderland drew to a close on Saturday to put Anfield out of its misery.

After the final whistle, those same faithful followers stayed to protest against the off-field antics of American owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett.

Former Liverpool favourite Steve McManaman wasn’t the only observer to remark that perhaps the demonstration had missed the point, after Anfield witnessed a turgid first hour of football which never looked like leading to the ultimately flattering 3-0 scoreline.

Fans of any football club around the country will empathise with the Liverpool supporters who don’t want to see their great club go to the gutter because of the actions of owners who don’t understand its history and its place in the hearts of thousands of fans.

But a big part of the resentment towards Hicks and Gillett undoubtedly stems from their handling of the future of the Anfield hot-seat, with the much-loved Benitez seemingly earmarked for the exit door unless results pick up.

Maybe it’s time, however, the manager’s loyal supporters stopped to think about whether they are being blinded to his shortcomings by a few special moments during the Spaniard’s reign.

Benitez’s first year in charge, of course, ended in that triumphant comeback in the European Cup final, while the following campaign Liverpool lifted the FA Cup and the next season saw them back in the final of Europe’s elite competition.

But is it now time to forget that unforgettable night in Istanbul and examine whether Benitez is really the man to deliver to Anfield the Holy Grail of a first title since 1990?

Benitez’s bewildering rotation system has brought his side no closer to a serious challenge for the domestic crown over the last three and a half years. In fact, clubs such as Everton, Aston Villa and Manchester City are now targeting Liverpool as the runt at the back of the pack as leading group of Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea sprint off into the distance.

Sunderland may have been beaten at Anfield by three clear goals for the first time in 40 years on Saturday, but as more than one pundit pointed out after the game, it was one of the least convincing 3-0 victories you’re ever likely to see.

The respective contributions of two Liverpool players in particular during the game illustrate weaknesses in Benitez’s management style – namely Lucas Leiva and Peter Crouch.

Lucas is undoubtedly a talented player, neat and tidy on the ball with a well-honed instinct for keeping possession, a quality which was always part of the make-up of the great Liverpool sides.

But the home side already had a player like that in their midfield in Javier Mascherano. The Argentine gave a masterclass in the holding role – he was first to every ball, kept possession consistently and constantly broke up Sunderland’s attempts to counter-attack.

So why was Lucas played on the left in preference to Yossi Benayoun or Ryan Babel, both of whom could have provided the creativity Liverpool were crying out for?

The Brazilian made few mistakes, but he failed to give his side the attacking impetus which could have turned a resilient but inferior Sunderland into cannon fodder.

In fairness to Benitez, the manager spotted the weak link in Liverpool’s attacking play early on, and Benayoun was already warmed up and ready to go when Crouch nodded in Jamie Carragher’s far-post cross to give Liverpool the lead.

Which brings us Crouch’s contribution. The big man changed the course and nature of the game with his 57th-minute opener, and 12 minute later it was again Crouch who flicked on for Fernando Torres to put the game beyond Sunderland with the home side’s second goal.

As one fan calling a radio phone-in proclaimed: “When Crouch plays, Liverpool win.”

And yet so often under Benitez the big man finds himself warming the bench and playing second fiddle to Dirk Kuyt or Andriy Voronin, leading to the England striker unsurprisingly being targeted by clubs who could regularly find a place for him in their starting 11.

In mitigation of the manager, Benitez has shown he can attract talent of the undisputed star quality of Torres and Mascherano, players who will be vital to the club’s future if they are to regain what the fans yearn for – what they see as their rightful place among the elite of the Premier League.

But the fact remains Liverpool made hard work on Saturday of beating one of the division’s lesser teams at a ground which was once renowned throughout football as a fortress. Benitez’s may have painstakingly edged their way up to fifth in the table with victory over Sunderland – but fifth won’t be good enough if it’s where Liverpool end up when the final whistle blows on May 11.