Rafa clears air with Gerrard

Reds manager holds talks with skipper

By Peter Fraser   Last updated: 23rd October 2007

Benitez Rafa3

Benitez: All clear

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Rafa Benitez has cleared the air with Steven Gerrard after the Liverpool captain was surprisingly substituted in Saturday's Merseyside derby.

Benitez raised a few eyebrows when he replaced Gerrard with 20 minutes remaining in Saturday's 2-1 win over derby rivals Everton.

Gerrard, who has been under-fire this season following a run of poor form, admitted to being 'hurt' by the substitution.

However, Benitez - who explained the tactical decision by saying that his side needed to play with 'less passion' - insists all is well between himself and Gerrard.

Decision

"When you are a manager you need to make decisions, not just think about them," Benitez told Liverpool's official website.

"You must think how you can win the game. Every player is the same for me when you are trying to win a game.

"We have talked because every player would be disappointed, especially Gerrard because it was a derby.

"He wanted to score the winning goal, but he is okay. After some time he'll understand that it was an idea and I was thinking about the best for the team.

"You know when you change a player he must show that he wants to play, but I think he was okay at the end."