Rafael Benitez “thinks he is in charge” of Liverpool according to his winger Albert Riera, who hasn’t done much to defy the stereotype that footballers aren’t the sharpest knives in the drawer by taking 18 months to work out who his manager is.
The Reds are a “sinking ship” says the Spain international, who has been left out in the cold for so long that he’s now eyeing a move to Russia, and while Benitez is likely to react swiftly to his compatriot’s complaints – shut the hatch on your way out Albert – his task tonight is to steer Liverpool into the quarter-finals of the Europa League, and he’s in choppy waters.
Lille, the top scorers in France and sailing far closer to the summit of their league than Liverpool are, visit Anfield 1-0 up from the first leg. The Reds couldn’t turn possession into goals in northern France, and paid for their profligacy when Eden Hazard curled in a late free-kick. The warning signs were there long before, but things have changed since.
The win over Portsmouth on Monday night showcased all of Liverpool’s attacking talent. There were four goals, the chances to score many more, and it was a performance that both pleased and in many cases surprised the paying Anfield public. Onlooker Riera would probably describe it as a cruise.
That he’s now chosen to stick his oar in shouldn’t distract Benitez and Liverpool from producing a good performance tonight. Far more damaging is the virus contracted by Alberto Aquilani – Monday’s man of the match – and the leaky defence that saw the Reds concede a needless late goal against Pompey. Ship one tonight, and they need to score three.
Ryan Babel, the man who has benefitted most from Riera’s row, will be important this evening.
The Dutchman looked to be on his way out of Anfield in January. Dropped from the squad for a trip to Stoke, he reacted by informing the world on Twitter, an act that many thought was akin to walking the plank. Anchored in the back of Benitez’ plans, he was eyeing a move elsewhere, but his response since coming back on deck has been excellent.
Revealing a new desire that many thought had long gone, the 23-year-old has scored goals against Unirea Urziceni and Portsmouth, becoming an increasingly important part of his manager’s plans, never more important than this evening.
Fail, and it’s another trophyless season for Benitez and Liverpool. They’ll be marooned and have to watch on as others battle it out for the big prizes come the end of the season. But this is no time to raise the white flag.
It’s Anfield. It’s a European night. Liverpool are a goal down. Three ingredients that have led to loud, unforgettable nights so many times in the past.
Load the cannons, because the Reds are ready to fire.
Riera might be searching a lifeboat. His team-mates have to prove that they don’t need one too.
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