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Rafa right to rest players?

Liverpool
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Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has defended his right to select the team of his choice to play at Fulham.

Bolton manager Gary Megson has called on Benitez to select a strong team for Saturday's game against the Trotters relegation rivals.

But Liverpool play Chelsea in the Champions League on Tuesday.

And Benitez said: "I will be thinking a little about Chelsea. +I have players I don't want to risk, and I've enough quality in the squad to win at Fulham."

Liverpool lost to Fulham at the same stage of last season after Benitez rested several key players - and he was criticised by Sheffield United for his team selection.

With such an important match on Tuesday would Benitez be right to rest players?

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posted Apr 19, 2008

lmao a typical chav fan....... think der solid as usual

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posted Apr 19, 2008

Fulham genuinely have an opportunity to win today, this will worry Benitez as he wiould rather have Everton completely out of sight espeically in light of the brooksiders style drama thats happening at Anfield at present. Fulham should hit hard and treat this like a do or die situation otherwise it is curtains for them. By the way West London is a picnic compared to East and North London, it's just that our lads are alittle high spirited before games and it often upsets visitors

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posted Apr 19, 2008

What is the big deal about Rafa resting players? He can if he wants because he has a large enough club and that is what the players are there for; to be played. Some of the second team players plus a couple of the first should (i say should but anthing can happen) beat Fulham.

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posted Apr 19, 2008

Its no problem for Rafa resting players afreall the most important game of the season for Liverpool is a couple of days away. Players like Crouch and Voronin need to get into the act.

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posted Apr 19, 2008

I don't see what the problem is. If it's going to be such an issue why don't the FA just put a limit on the number players clubs are allowed to sign.

Whats the point on having big squads if you're going to be criticised whenever you use them?

WWW.RED-KOPITES.COM

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posted Apr 19, 2008

Why are Liverpool the weakies of the Top 4?

Having finished 3rd,3rd,and now likely 4th over the past couple of seasons. We could still finish 3rd and win the Champions League!

Well, at least it's a possiblity. So let's wait before making statements.

Megson and Warnock are both silly with their comments, even the second string team could beat Fulham ... but guess what? They just have!!

Now who looks foolish with such comments?

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posted Apr 19, 2008

Oh well, so much for that. A comfortable win I would say.

What have Megson and Colin got to say now?

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posted Apr 19, 2008

Fulham 0 Liverpool 2

End of story.......

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posted Apr 19, 2008

^^^
Right.

Anyway, at least Megson managed to get a victory. So maybe he can just keep his mouth shut going forward and try to win enough games to stay up.

I think Fulham are for the drop, so there is one more spot "up for grabs".

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comment by Thir13 (U11178066)

posted Apr 21, 2008

I don't know why people keep harping on about Rafa and his rotations/tinkering (have your pick). In truth, as alumnus, John Aldridge observed, it's the coach's prerogative to pick a squad. It is the gaffer who knows which of his players is available, injured, suspended, etc., and make appropriate changes. Right now there is no need to play key players and have them pick unnecessary injuries or bookings. We showed at the Emirates how strong our second team is. We played three games without Mascherano, and it showcased Lucas Leiva and Xabi Alonso's capabilities (in addition to displaying our depth and continued improvement). Such changes augur well esp. for younger players or those in the reserve. In a competitive environment, it makes them want to prove their first team potential, which can only be good for the squad. Rafa has preserved his players well by such measures, which has left us fresh after a long season. Kudos to Benitez.

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