RAFA BACKS KEANE TO FILL VOID
[tr][td=1,1,357]Rafa Benitez today backed Robbie Keane to fill the goalscoring boots of Fernando Torres during the coming weeks. [/td][/tr][tr][td=2,1,487]
With El Nino out for between 10 and 15 days due to a hamstring tear, Keane is set to become the focal point of Liverpool's attack.
The Irishman opened his Reds account during his last club start against PSV - and followed this up with a goal versus Cyprus on Wednesday.
Benitez told Liverpoolfc.tv: "When we signed Robbie we were looking for a striker with experience in the Premier League, someone with quality who could score goals.
"That is why we signed him, so hopefully now with him being on fire with the national team this will be an opportunity for him.
"It's important for the players when they go away to play well, and when they score goals it's great for their confidence. It's very good."
Meanwhile, Benitez reacted positively to UEFA's decision to allow next week's game against Atletico to be played in Madrid.
"It was sensible. It was too late to change the stadium," said the boss. "We have a lot of fans going to the game, so it'd be a massive problem for us and our supporters.
"It would also have been a problem for Atletico and for their fans getting to the game."
One man who won't feature in the Vicente Calderon is the injured Torres.
The striker has nevertheless been invited by his former club as a VIP guest and, recovery permitting, Benitez will not stand in the way of an emotional return.
"It depends on the physios and the doctors, but I don't have any problem with him going because it will be a fantastic opportunity for him to say hello to the Atletico fans," said the gaffer.
"He is really disappointed that he won't be playing. He was desperate to play in Madrid in the Champions League, so it's a pity."
The prognosis of 10 to 15 days means Torres could miss four matches - Wigan (h), Atletico (a), Chelsea (a) and Portsmouth (h).
But Benitez added: "The Portsmouth game could be a realistic target but it always depends on the player with injuries. It's now a question of time."
The international break also brought an injury to Ryan Babel, who sprained his left ankle with Holland and will miss this weekend's clash with Wigan.
"I think he will be out this weekend, but hopefully he'll be training with the team next week," said Benitez. [/td][/tr] |
發表於 2008-10-18 12:55 PM
| 