[lfc-news] Benitez sets up new scouting network

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Benitez sets up new scouting network
http://observer.guardian.co.uk/sport/story/0,6903,1562510,00.html
Martin Palmer
Sunday September 4, 2005
The Guardian

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez may have been frustrated by events on
transfer-deadline day, when he failed to reinforce his squad, but he is
confident that he has put the right structure in place at Anfield to ensure
he is well-prepared to make significant signings in the future.
Since his arrival on Merseyside a year ago, the Spaniard has been working
to overhaul the club's scouting network. He now believes Liverpool will be
better placed to make moves for players and hopes to reap the benefits as
early as January.

After his close-season signings Benitez stressed he was holding out for a
central defender and right winger to complete his squad, but neither
arrived as he ran out of time in his search. The manager also came in for
criticism for the way the club handled some of their failed transfer
negotiations, notably those of Michael Owen and the Portugal midfielder Simao.

The revamped scouting operation will be fronted by Frank McParland, from
the club's academy, and Paco Herrera, who will be responsible for
coordinating the vast number of scouts who are scouring the globe on the
Reds' behalf.

'We have changed the entire scouting system and replaced some of the old
scouts,' said Benitez. 'We now have scouts working tirelessly on our behalf
right around the world and we have situated them in what we believe to be
the most important countries.

'This new system we've put in place means they can now submit their reports
to us easier and quicker, whether they are in Argentina or in this country.

'The information they provide us with is very important and could be the
first step towards us signing a new player.

'At this early stage we are yet to reap the benefits of these changes. This
summer has come too soon for us. The new system has only just been put into
place so it has not been easy, but maybe when the transfer window opens
again in January we will notice a difference. The job of a scout is really
important. In fact, I'd say it is one of the most important at the club.

'If you have good scouts then you are one step ahead when it comes to
trying to sign up good young players early in their career or established
players who are good enough to step straight into the first team.

'It's all about timing and you must get in there before other clubs. The
transfer market is very competitive and a lot of the time you are competing
with clubs who have a lot more money.'

West Ham goalkeeper Jim Walker has signed a one-year extension to his
contract at Upton Park. The 32-year-old is recovering from an operation on
a cruciate knee-ligament injury sustained in their play-off final success
at the Millennium Stadium last season.

Ronaldo will attempt to end a run of five matches without scoring, when he
lines up for Brazil in their World Cup qualifier at home to Chile today.
The world champions need a win to ensure their place in Germany with two
matches to spare.

Chile go into the game on the back of two wins and need at least a point to
keep alive their hopes of qualifying for the 2006 tournament. The sides
drew 1-1 in Santiago last year.

Brazil are second in the 10-nation South American qualifying group with 27
points from 15 games. Chile are sixth with 20. The top four qualify
directly for next year's World Cup and the fifth play off over two legs
against the Oceania region winners.

Ronaldo will line up alongside Adriano, with Robinho and Kaka playing just
behind. Ronaldinho is missing through suspension.

With Chile expected to pack their defence, in an attempt to combat the four
forwards, the Brazil coach Carlos Alberto Parreira has warned his players
against over-eagerness.

'It's not our characteristic to attack desperately,' he said. 'We have to
be cautious and patient and not try to settle the match in the first few
minutes.'

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