[lfc-news] Lay off Pete

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Lay of Peter Oct 14 2005
EXCLUSIVE by Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo
http://icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk/0500liverpoolfc/0100news/tm_objectid=16249157%26method=full%26siteid=50061%26page=2%26headline=lay%2dof%2dpeter-name_page.html
RAFA BENITEZ says he's willing to stake his managerial reputation on Peter
Crouch proving a success for Liverpool and England.

The Anfield boss is shocked by the negative reaction Crouch received while
on international duty, and claimed the abuse the striker received will win
him even more support at his new club.

Crouch was booed by a small section of the Old Trafford crowd when he
appeared as a sub on Wednesday.

That's provoked a passionate defence of the player from Benitez, who is
ready to ease the pressure on his £7m striker by putting it on himself.

"He is a player for my club and for as long as he works hard, he can be
sure everyone at the club and our fans will be with him," said Benitez.

"If he doesn't play well, okay, it's my decision and it's my
responsibility, not his. For as long as he's on the pitch wearing a
Liverpool shirt, and he's trying to do the things I ask of him, I accept
all responsibility. And if we don't play to his needs, we must find the
solutions."

It's clear Benitez has no respect for the opinion of those England fans who
jeered Crouch against Poland.

"I was surprised by what happened and it's a pity. Those responsible don't
know a lot about football or understand the game," Benitez added.

"If you've watched the games he's played, and listened to the managers,
noone can say anything other than he's a good player.

"As a manager, I'm convinced he's a good player. I don't feel I need to
repeat this all the time because if you've watched our games, you can see this.

"The fact he's in the national team shows a lot of people have the same
opinion. All the managers who've worked with him talk well about him.

"Maybe there are better players in England or the rest of the world, but
he's still a very, very good player and he will do an excellent job for his
club and his country.

"If he is a good player for us, he will stay in the national team."

Benitez admits he'll be discussing the events of the last fortnight with
his striker to ensure his confidence hasn't been unduly affected.

He said: "I will talk to him, but I know he has a strong mentality. The
most important thing he needs to know is he has my support."

Liverpool's international contingent returned to Melwood for a late
training session last night.

Steven Gerrard misses tomorrow's visit of Blackburn with a calf strain, but
so far no other injuries are reported.

As reported in later editions of yesterday's ECHO, Gerrard is one of 30
players nominated for the FIFA world player of the Year award.

Fellow England internationals Wayne Rooney, David Beckham and Frank Lampard
are also on the shortlist - which features 10 players from the Premiership.

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