Yossi Benayoun praises radical doctor as Liverpool look for miracle cure to European qualification problem
Benayoun will now compete with Aurelio for a starting role this evening as Liverpool aim to conjure another Champions League escape act.
“It was clear I was not ready to start against Manchester City, and it was unfortunate I had to go on so early, after those injuries to Daniel Agger and Ryan Babel,” said Benayoun, a 19th-minute substitute at the weekend.
“If I can play a part in Hungary, great. It is always a good feeling when your coach wants you in the team, and I desperately want to
contribute anything I can to try and help us qualify from the group. But I can’t see myself playing the full 90 minutes. I don’t believe that is a realistic aim after missing so much training. Everyone in the squad knows my condition and how I’m still trying to get my fitness back, but I will do the best I can.
“This is an important phase for the team and, of course, the manager. We have had one or two disappointments since the start of the season, but he has proved his worth many times over the years, and I don’t believe he is about to leave.
“We just need a bit of luck, with injuries off the field and the bounce of the ball on it, and everything will change for us.”
TONIGHT’S officials are from Holland, with Bjorn Kuipers the referee.
