If Rafa Benitez is hoping to light a fire under his squad ahead of Saturday’s match against Hull, he may have done just that with his recent comments in regards to Liverpool’s title chances. Not only does he believe Liverpool are a small club compared to Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal; he also believes that it’ll take a modern-day miracle for his club to finish at the top of the table this season!
Rafael Benítez has effectively written off Liverpool’s title chances even though his team lead the Premier League after 16 matches in which they have lost only once. Benítez’s side have defeated both Manchester United and Chelsea during a promising opening to the season as they chase the club’s first championship since 1990 but the manager is downbeat about their chances of lasting the pace.
“For us to win the league we need Chelsea, Man United and Arsenal to mess up their season,” he was quoted by the Sun. “It is very rare that three teams all mess up. So there’s no point waiting for our direct adversaries to slip up because it won’t happen. They all have a lot greater financial means than us.”
“For me Valencia and Liverpool are similar – for them to win, the bigger clubs have to do badly,” added the 48-year-old Spaniard, a Champions League winner with Liverpool. “When I won La Liga with Valencia that’s what happened, Real Madrid and Barcelona were in transition, so it was easier.” (The Guardian)
Correct me if I’m wrong, but last I saw Liverpool were at the top of the table. Apparently Benitez feels his squad doesn’t have the depth, the fight or the funds to keep up with the “Big Three” for a whole season.
To be honest, the comments have to be a bit disheartening for any Liverpool supporter. Are you shocked to hear Rafa speaking this way? Do you think this is his way of doing a bit of reverse psychology?