Benitez blasts blame game

Reds boss looking for leadership during run-in

By Ben Collins   Last updated: 11th March 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Benitez blasts blame game

Benitez: Call for unity

I have told them I want an improvement and that if an error is made the person responsible must be kept on board.

Rafa Benitez
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Rafa Benitez has told his underperforming Liverpool side to stop playing the blame game and unite behind the collective cause.

The Reds' manager felt some of his players were pointing fingers after Hugo Rodallega scored the only goal in Monday's woeful defeat at Wigan.

That was a major setback to Liverpool's chances of clinching fourth spot in a stuttering campaign.

And ahead of their Europa League game against Lille on Thursday, Benitez has called for greater unity within his squad.

"I don't think it is right to suggest there is any lack of trust between the players," he said.

"You can look at last season as an example of that when these same players were doing well, playing with confidence and winning games and there was not a problem.

"But against Wigan the keeper (Jose Reina) was blaming the defenders for something that was wrong and the defenders were blaming the keeper.

Wrong message

"It happens in games but I don't like it. If you are showing your disappointment with that sort of body language it is sending out the wrong message.

"It is not positive and I don't want to see this sort of reaction.

"I accept that each player is different but it is important to show leadership qualities and the right approach to your team-mates.

"I have told them I want an improvement and that if an error is made the person responsible must be kept on board."

Liverpool travel to France knowing they face another stern test in the last-16 first leg at Lille's Metropole ground.

Les Dogues have lost just twice there in Ligue 1 this season and scored 25 goals in their last nine league games at home.

Johnson return

Liverpool defender Glen Johnson made his first appearance since late December as a substitute against Wigan and could start at Lille after recovering from a knee injury.

"We know they are going to have some players with pace in certain areas," said the England World Cup hopeful.

"They're well-organised and will work hard, and we know they are playing very well at home.

"I've been out for a while but I feel really good, although I'm just getting my match fitness back."

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