Anfield a top attraction for the success seekers
Mar 31 2006
By Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo
THE CLOSURE of the Mersey tunnel created a surprising obstacle to Rafa Benitez this week. After his side's heroic derby win, most Liverpool fans thought the Wirral-based manager was able to walk across the river.
Benitez's meticulous planning ensured he wasn't unduly affected by the travel chaos. He had already given his players 48 hours to recover.
Instead, the Liverpool boss was able to reflect at home on an exceptional triumph. Inevitably, the reminders were never too far away.
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"There are some people working at my house and they told me they were very happy with the result," said Benitez. "Then I took my daughter to school and everyone was smiling and saying 'fantastic result'. I have seen the smile on the faces of our supporters all week.
"I always knew winning derbies such as this is always important, but to do it with 10 men after playing so well is particularly fantastic.
"I know our supporters enjoyed seeing the team work as they did with 10 men. To play so well without our captain and top goalscorer was really good for us.
"Our teamwork is a great sign for the future."
If the endless shouts of congratulations from the red half of the city were not enough, Benitez has also awoken to more 'come and get me' pleas lately than you would get at a Thai mbuttage parlour.
Bolton's Stelios and Deportivo La Coruna's Victor have both publicly expressed regret at their failure to complete Anfield moves since the summer, and are eager for interest to be reignited.
Typically, Benitez won't be drawn on whether he's still got the will to chase the pair. Many presume the ruthless coach would be reluctant to offer a second chance to any player who turned him down.
Stelios and Victor aren't the only ones who come into that category, of course, but they may be heartened to learn Benitez would consider re-examining unspecified former targets if the circumstances were right.
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"I'm never going to say to a player I've closed the door for the rest of his life," said Benitez. "It depends on the situation. Every player is different.
"Sometimes a player will say 'no' to you. There are understandable reasons. It could be the wrong moment which makes a deal impossible, or perhaps the player simply doesn't have the pbuttion to join your club.
"You have to analyse the reason and then make a decision if an opportunity comes again."
Indeed, Benitez takes satisfaction from the number of players hoping he will pursue them in the summer. He believes it confirms his theory that Liverpool is one of the most attractive clubs in the world to join.
