Rafa defends zonal marking

Reds boss calls on defenders to raise their game

Last updated: 23rd November 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Rafa defends zonal marking

Benitez: On the defensive

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Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has defended his much-maligned policy of using zonal marking when defending set-pieces.

His side's weaknesses at defending set-pieces were once again exposed on Saturday as Emmanuel Adebayor scored in the 2-2 draw with Manchester City at Anfield.

Liverpool have now conceded more goals from set-pieces than any other Premier League side, but Benitez insists the system works and that it is up to his defenders to get it right

"When you're using a zonal system, you have to attack the ball and if there's a player near you, you have to challenge," said Benitez.

"When you have a player like Adebayor, who is good in the air, there is a danger you will concede like that. Thirty-five per cent of the goals in England are from set-pieces.

"It is clear you have to attack the space or the player - it doesn't mean you have to stand like a post.

"The majority of players believe in it but, although this year has been bad, it's still early in the season."

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