[lfc-news] Take it away, lads! - Echo

Liverpool Echo, 12 Oct 2004
Take it away, lads!
By Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo

RAFAEL BENITEZ today backed his Spanish imports to prove they are no soft touch away from home.

The Liverpool manager recognised his stars such as Luis Garcia have shone more at Anfield than on their travels. But he insists it's just a matter of time until they take their form on the road.

Garcia arrived at Anfield following a £6m move from Barcelona while Xabi Alonso was signed from Real Sociedad for £10.7m in the summer.

Benitez said: "I was talking to a Spanish coach on the phone this morning and he was asking me why Luis Garcia played well at home and not away.

"I said to him, 'You have to understand how difficult it is.'

"Luis and Xabi are getting used to a different style of football.

"If you play at home with more of the ball and better possession it is easier for good players to play well.

"But when you play away it is always a different kind of game.

"You need to play a lot more on the counter attack and it is a lot harder for players such as Luis Garcia to be involved in the game as much as he would be at home.

"A lot of people have told me to remember how other players did in their first year. I have analysed the situation and I know that everyone just needs time.

"It is the same for managers and it is the same for players.

"I saw the report in the ECHO comparing the first 11 games of Alex Ferguson, Arsene Wenger and Bill Shankly. I noticed it was the same for them.

"Each player is different but I am very happy with Luis and Xabi because they have already played to a very high level in some games.

"In Spain Luis Garcia played very well both at home and away and I have no doubt it will be the same for Liverpool."

Meanwhile, Benitez is not planning a fresh move for Real Madrid's Fernando Morientes. The Reds boss is still finalising plans ahead of the opening of the transfer window in January.

Liverpool Reserves are in action the mini-derby against Everton at Wrexham tonight (7pm). Steven Warnock should feature.