Liverpool FC ready to launch Robbie Keane bid
Jul 17 2008 by Ian Doyle, Liverpool Daily Post
“I think it was a good workout tonight,” said Benitez. “The idea was to continue improving the fitness level of the players, I thought it was a good game with many opportunities so it was positive.
“This was another game where their goalkeeper was man of the match.
“We scored two good goals and the understanding between Voronin and Pacheco was good. The team worked really hard, and that was main idea.”
The game was notable for the appearance of Sebastian Leto who, because of work permit problems, last played a competitive match for the reserves against Middlesbrough in December.
The Argentine caught the eye on the left wing, and Benitez revealed Liverpool hope his situation will be resolved in the next fortnight.
“Leto is a good player and he showed tonight the quality that he has,” said the Anfield manager.
“He has had some problems with his work permit but hopefully that will be okay because has a lot of quality.
“We are waiting to hear when that permit will come through and we should find that out in the next 10 days.”
Ryan Babel and Dirk Kuyt made their first appearances of pre-season as late substitutes.
Babel – who Benitez last night confirmed will go to the Olympics with Holland – was making his comeback after missing the recent Euro 2008 finals through injury. And Benitez said: “Ryan did well in his time on the pitch, and Dirk Kuyt also played at the end despite only arriving earlier in the day.
“We needed to use them both at the end as the rest of the team was tired.”
Steven Gerrard missed the game as a precaution after complaining of feeling tired, while Jermaine Pennant was also absent after receiving a knock against Tranmere Rovers at the weekend.
New signing Andrea Dossena is still waiting on international clearance, with Benitez hopeful the Italian can make his debut against Wisla Krakow on Saturday.
Steve Finnan, meanwhile, returned to Merseyside yesterday for treatment on an ankle injury suffered earlier in the week and will miss the rest of the training camp.
