Santa Cruz hits out at Rafa

Man City striker cannot understand Liverpool boss' 'guarantee'

Last updated: 23rd December 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Santa Cruz hits out at Rafa

Santa Cruz: Doubts Benitez promise

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Roque Santa Cruz has told Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez not to make promises he cannot keep.

Benitez stated last week that he could 'guarantee' Liverpool would finish in the top four of the Premier League this season.

The Reds are currently eighth after a disappointing start and must improve considerably over the second half of the campaign to ensure UEFA Champions League qualification.

Manchester City striker Santa Cruz does not believe it was wise of Benitez to come out with such a bold statement.

"I don't think you can guarantee anything," the Paraguay international said in the Daily Express.

"It is hard to guarantee things, especially when things are not going in the right direction, like for Liverpool.

"Things are not going the way they would want them to and to guarantee things in that situation is hard."

Focused

Man City are better placed than Liverpool but manager Mark Hughes was still relieved of his duties over the weekend and replaced by Roberto Mancini.

Mancini has not guaranteed a top-four finish this season but confirmed that is the target and Santa Cruz feels it is now time for the players to deliver.

"We have a position of confidence but also the team is focused on not talking too much and instead performing better than we have been," he said.

"All the while we are not playing as a fantastic team, I don't think anybody will say anything about the top four. But that is the aim - the goal is there.

"We know we have not been performing as well as we should or could and it hurts.

"But everybody is trying to find their best form, regain their confidence and perform better in the coming games."