Rafa Benitez reveals secret to Liverpool’s success

Nov 19 2008 by Ian Doyle, Liverpool Daily Post

LIVERPOOL manager Rafael Benitez has praised a team effort among his backroom staff after being named Barclays Premier League manager of the month for October.

“I am really pleased to be named manager of the month but the award is not just for me, it is good for the club and also my staff,” said Benitez. “I think that all managers need to have good backroom staff.

“Everyone is doing a very good job and that is important. It allows me to concentrate on different things because I know that they will do the job properly.”

Benitez had particular praise for Mauricio Pellegrino, who was brought back to Anfield in the summer as first-team coach after spending a short stint on the playing staff in 2005.

“When I decided to sign Pellegrino as a player it was because he is very clever and tactically he could help the other defenders,” said Benitez.

“He wasn’t at his best

because he was at the end of his career but he is showing now as a coach how brilliant he is tactically.

“I think everyone has been impressed by the things he has done since he arrived. He is a winner, he is very clever and he has a real passion for football.

“The only concern for me is maybe he will leave in the future because he can be a fantastic manager.”

Liverpool are enjoying their best-ever start to a Premier League campaign with only goal difference keeping them behind leaders Chelsea.

And Fernando Torres believes the Anfield outfit have laid the foundations of a genuine title challenge.

“This season has seen us get off to a good start, and that is very much appreciated here,” said the Spain international.