Gillett points finger at Rafa

American defends Reds investment

Last updated: 6th October 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Gillett points finger at Rafa

Gillett: On the defensive

We have invested £128m on top of what has come in. That means it should be getting better. Now if it's not getting better, it's not Gillett and Hicks, it's the manager.

George Gillett
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Liverpool co-owner George Gillett has reportedly claimed that Rafa Benitez is to blame for the club's failings rather than the owners.

The Reds have endured a difficult week, losing 2-0 to Fiorentina in the Champions League before going down by the same scoreline to title rivals Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

Liverpool face a massive week after the international break with games against Sunderland, Lyon and Manchester United in the space of a week which could determine their campaign.

Gillett and fellow co-owner Tom Hicks have come under fire from Liverpool supporters since taking charge for shelving plans for Liverpool's new stadium and restricting Benitez's transfer budget.

However, Gillett in a report in the Daily Telegraph claims the American the pair have done more than their Premier League rivals to improve the financial footing of their club.

"We have invested more money than our competitors, in keeping with the history of the club," Gillett is quoted as telling a representative of the fans' group Spirit of Shankly prior to Liverpool's 6-1 win over Hull last week.

"In the last 18 months, we have invested £128m on top of what has come in. That means it should be getting better.

"Now if it's not getting better, it's not Gillett and Hicks, it's the manager, it's the scouting. You have to make sure you balance out your analysis.

"There was plenty of money, so if you have any complaints, take a look at the ins and outs."

Gillett also added that the £30million fee recouped from Xabi Alonso's move to Real Madrid "went straight back" into the club's transfer budget, which was already set at "£22-23m as part of our budgets".

Gillett added: "The club is in extraordinarily good financial condition. Far better than Manchester United, Chelsea or Arsenal.

"We have invested massively, we have put more money in than anyone other than Manchester City, with the craziness they have got."

Comments (70)

Terish Gungabissoon (Liverpool fan) says...

I am really sorry to hear all that about Rafa. I really think that he is the one who will bring success to the club. If the Americans didn't make life so difficult maybe we would have been far above. That man talks of £128m where was that invested? In repaying debts they took to purchase the club. Common guys lets have some faith in the man who changed liverpool style of play. Who brought us to 2nd last term and who has make us a credible challenger for premiership. Without him we would have been fighting for 6th place right now. The competition si tuff but he did in in la liga with valencia and I am sure we can do it with Liverpool. And dont forget that we have a big young squad with talent rising guys. He has prepared for the future as well. Mr George stop ridiculising THE CLUB and THE KOP, put your hands in you pocket give us our stadium, Aguerro and Silva and the premier league is ours... I think all liverpool fans should give their support to Rafa by saying thank you and letting The American know that we trust him... THANK YOU RAFA!!!

Posted 11:21 8th October 2009

Jon Price (Liverpool fan) says...

I love my team without condition. I love players like Dirk Kuyt and Yossi Benayoun because even when they're not playing well, they give 100%. This season I have been bittereley dissappointed by the 2 player that sum up Liverpool FC. Gerrard has been lazy, at best. And Carra has been awful, indecisive, a non-leader. I will support Liverpool if they were in the lowest division but having seen what we can do, last season. Even without Xabi Alonso, I know we can do better this season. A great man once said, " it's a marathon, not a sprint" If the core of our team just picked it up a bit, instead of comparing this season to last, we're still in with a massive shout. C'mon Stevie, C'mon Carra, this is our team, this is YOUR time!! So shine....

Posted 05:47 8th October 2009

Gareth Norton (Liverpool fan) says...

Some of the comments on here are ridiculous!! Firstly, no manager/team who wins the Champions League...wins it by LUCK! Secondly, any team who has two of their star players out with injury are always going to struggle. Chelsea without Lampard and Drogba would struggle, Manchester Utd without Rooney and Ferdinand would struggle and Arsenal without Fabregas and Arshavin would also struggle. I personally believe there are not too many managers out there who could replace Rafa Benitez (Jose Mourhinho is the exception) so what would be the point of replacing him? Liverpools biggest problem is the two idiots who own the club, get rid of them and replace them with an owner who is willing to back the manager 100% and maybe Liverpool FC would be a more consistant force in the Premiership! YNWA

Posted 21:36 7th October 2009

Fasika Berhanu (Liverpool fan) says...

I beleve the main problem lies on Rafa they have givin him the money to be effective but he goes round players like voronin n lucas when he could get quality player for less money like Darre Bent, Jermain Defoe, and jones of sumnderland which i think would really be effective alongside torres even if he doesnt do that i wish he could play babel alongside torres instead of on the wings then i think we would have one of the best strike force in the near future

Posted 18:49 7th October 2009

Francis Rangara (Liverpool fan) says...

This clown is part of a duet which promised us a new stadium. Until LFC has the promised new stadium the clown has no right to point a finger at anyone. IN RAFA WE TRUST!

Posted 05:34 7th October 2009

Damian Jones (Liverpool fan) says...

As a Liverpool fan of 25 years it breaks my heart to see my club being humiliated like this. Gillett and Hicks need to sell the club ASAP before they make the club more of a joke. But I have to agree with Gillett, Rafa has spent a fortune and has a lucky champions league win to show for it. In this day and age football is business as well as sport, money does count, but also when you spend any money you do have on poor players, poor results will follow. Any who says Rafa is a good manager is out of there mind. Without Gerrard and Torres, Liverpool would strugle to get in the top four. Gerrard is from the academy and the only reason we got Torres is because Rafa is Spanish! With our current form and lack of trophies year in year out, I give Torres until the end of season before he leaves and Gerrard isn't going to be a top player for much longer, we have to start building a new team of top players, like what Ferguson does, year in, year out at United. That means Rafa has to go, and we need a strong manager to come in, I'd love to see Capello, I think he's strong minded, has a great eye for talented players and brings the best out of bad players, wait until after the world cup and get him! Come on you reds.

Posted 05:26 7th October 2009

Ben Green (Liverpool fan) says...

As much as it pains us to say it Liverpool fans, I think its time it was said. Rafa Benitez isnt a Liverpool manager. OK ill be fair, i like Benitez, two Champo league finals and a win along with an FA cup and a 2nd place but lets be honest, Rafa has his moment of pure tactical genius... but thats the problem, theyre just moments. As a Liverpool fan i am eternally grateful to Benitez to building up the club from where Houllier had dragged it down to, but i think its time Rafa stepped down because despite his ability, he is not the man to lead Liverpool to the Prem. You can have magical moments in Europe and win the competition, but there arent 38 games in a European season, and Rafa hasnt got the tactical mastry over that long-a-period. Thanks for your services Rafa, but its time you let Liverpool march on to the future" YNWA

Posted 00:27 7th October 2009

Dave Carter says...

36 years and still a pool supporter, a club so steeped in tradition envied by all, you who try to knock us down and yet still strive to acheive the same dizzy heights. Yes it is a sorry state of affairs, when a club so passionately supported is splashed all over the tabloids, I have seen the good days the bad days, my only agreement with some is that the wisdom of purchase to enhance the team as not happened, 2005 I sat and watched like millions a 3 - 0 first half drubbing yet tradition kept me transfixed because that team that glorious team did not buckle did not get disheartened but as a true giant stepped up to the mark to over came unsumountable odds to add another chapter into its history books.. I am as frustrated as most with the inconsistency of this current batch. I lay a large portion of the blame on David Moore who not forgetting is pool man through and through he knows and no doubt regrets his decision to sell to the americans. What is done is done Rafa needs to look in his own heart now and ask himself is all those he puts out good enough for this league. I feel he knows the answer to that but is to proud a man to acknowledge his mistakes.

Posted 23:48 6th October 2009

Evrol Gordon says...

We all as Liverpool fans got too carried away with the 2005 Champions League final. Suddenly Benitez is the messiah. Now 4 years on and no Premiership title. We have to accept this season that its gone away from us unless we can pull off a miracle which isnt likely. I we havent got a strong challenge on the title come the end of the season, then Benitez has to walk.

Posted 23:22 6th October 2009

Des Dessy says...

Rafa needs to learn how to make substitutions on time and not wait for 65mins in some games, he needs to replace Lucas and Riera as they are both absolutely unable to fit into the LFC side and therefore should get rid asap. Rafa needs good english players or else he should walk.

Posted 22:44 6th October 2009

Bernard Legair says...

At last, Rafa is finally being seen for what he is! An excellant one off game manager that can win you a cup. But all the Liverpool fans talk about is winning the LEAGUE, Rafa treats the premiership with contempt as if it doesnt matter. I remember rafa stating that he was resting player in November to February to get ready for the big push. He threw the title away with draw after draw last season, Liverpool Fans wake up and smell the mess. Rafa is not interested in the title, if he was he wouldn't have sold Alonso, all eggs in one basket again for Liverpool, Champions League.

Posted 22:43 6th October 2009

Dave White says...

Benitez must stay. As long as he is there all Liverpool can manage is a lucky run in a knock out competition with dubious goals and weak referees. The consistency required for the PL is beyond them and I love it. Every year we hear the same noises. Everytime they blow it "ah we are concentrating on Europe anyway" same old same old. Keep Benitez as long as possible they will score the most goals and let in the most and finish 3rd/4th every year lol

Posted 22:36 6th October 2009

Abdi Mohamed (Arsenal fan) says...

I think the problem lies in Rafa Benitez as he is the one that sold their main midfielder Xabi Alonso and has not bought immiediate cover for him. Also he has a great group of players but doesnt know how to get the best out of them. And he relys on the Torres and Gerrard combination too much and he doesnt use great players such as Babel which Rafa has ruined his bright career , Voronin who is a great striker and has showed that at the loan spell at Hertha Berlin so I think that if Liverpool get rid of Rafa and get a manager such as Mourinho Liverpool would easily win the Premier League.

Posted 17:03 6th October 2009

Rob Tomlinson (Manchester United fan) says...

Finally people are starting to realise that, the 2005 CL Win was a fluke and the only reason they finished Second last season, was because Chelsea were having Mangerial struggles and Arsenal were developing. I think that its true Rafa is an Over-rated manager, and that he does seen to buy mediocre player apart from Torres. Some of his signings are shocking and to be fair, the Owners have gave him the money, but Rafa has blew it. Also the lack or development of the younger players has been poor, Babel must be regretting the move to Liverpool. In Rafa's purchase he has bought middleaged players aswell, he should be looking at the younger players to bring in, like Man UTD and Arsenal do every season, they bring in virtual unknowns and develop them in to stars. I think Rafa's time is over at the club he'll be gone at the end of the season and Liverpool should really go for someone who is British. I think Liverpool will struggle to make it into the CL this season, and if they do they will scrape there by there reputation. Mediocre players... Torres and Gerrard cant drag them there on there own. Torres should come to United Haha Oh yeah Man Utd having being shocking aswell this season, before i get any abuse haha

Posted 16:55 6th October 2009

George Ucheibe (Arsenal fan) says...

I just wish that we all could be a bit more patient. Them coaches are human just like them players. I get annoyed at Wenger when we lose but I grudgingly accept he knows what he is doing. I respect Benitez even though I question some of his purchases. We are all human after all.

Posted 16:30 6th October 2009

Steve Fletcher says...

I was a Liverpool supporter from 1962 till 1992. What the hell is going on. You dont win or lose the premier league in October, tabloid tittle tattle What should be happening, is everybody pulling together for the sake of the club that they all love, nevermind this its not my fault childishnesh. If as said,the Americans are far from happy, there are other interested parties who are prepared to relieve them of their problem.

Posted 15:26 6th October 2009

John Kirkwood (Liverpool fan) says...

Why do these americans keep digging themselves deeper an deeper with the LIVERPOOL FANS. At Anfield, there are mixed views on Rafa, i can tell you the majority love him, the minority are people who think they can do a better job... but havent actually got a clue. Benitez has made do with what transfer funds hes had, most of it being brought together by himself ie alonso sale, money Portsmouth owed us off the Crouch sale for Glenn Johnson. Alot of money that came in from the Alonso deal footed wage bills and new contracts NOT put back into the transfer budget. Why would he sign a player of £20m (Aquilani) and then struggle to sign another player with the remianing cash? We scraped the barrel for a greek centre half who cost £1.5m... where is the rest Gillet? Benitez wont get the sack, the other 2 will drive him out of the club and god help them if that happens.

Posted 15:26 6th October 2009

Maff Roo (Arsenal fan) says...

I really think that rafa benitez is over-rated. He has signed sooooooo many players for good money in the past yet he is always indicating that the squad isnt strong enough and they need better players, now to me i was asking the question a couple of seasons ago...how long and how much money does he need to build his ideal squad??? He does not develop his players particularly well, infact players such as babel and voronin have taken big backwards steps since being under his wing. In fact i would go as far as saying he has stunted babels progress at such an important time for the player that i feel he will never fulfil the potential he regularly showed at ajax (big shame). Rafa is always impulse buying, he hasnt got a vision of how he wants the team to play week in week out, and he certainly hasnt invested enough of his money on young classy players who he can mould into his system further down the line, he buys for the moment and thats all. If you took carra, gerrard and el nino out of the team then they are simply a solid mid table squad. His success has all come in cup competitions apart from 1 season at valencia, and its become clear (in the last few seasons from the financial mess valencia are in) what it took for him to achieve that. Show him the door he isnt good enough. Glad to see the yanks biting back!

Posted 15:19 6th October 2009

Naveed Sheikh (Liverpool fan) says...

Some Liverpool fans should be ashamed of themselves. We have been to two Champions League final, winning one, that in itself is outstanding and we have Rafa to thank. For all Man utd's dominance they have won the champions league twice in 22 years of Taggarts reign. It took them 10 years after 1999 to get to a final. Whoever outspends united wins the league...Chelsea is a great example of that! Rafa has had many constraints...our costliest defender was Skirtel...I say defender as Johnson is an attacking full back not defender...yet! I know there are several potential buyers of our great club...but will the Yanks sell? I think not. Anyway, whatever the situation we have to back our club and manager come what in may! If Gillette blames Rafa I challenge him to sack Benitez!

Posted 15:15 6th October 2009

Mark Croasdale says...

Benitez would not pick the same team each week if all the players where fit and on form remember in the late 70s and 80s liverpool played its same 11 every week unless there was an injury yea i know oh they play more games now so what if i was pd 100000.00 pw id play every hour god sent you would nt hear shanks saying oh they need arrest they played a few days ago after 5 games into the season start playing a settled team and get rid of the donkeys im not a liverpool supporter but for gods sake this was once the best club side in the world not anymore and you have 1 person to blame get rid of Benitez and bring bk king kenny once he has gone bk to rovers and won us another champonship

Posted 15:12 6th October 2009

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