Under-fire Benitez looks at bigger picture

RAFAEL BENITEZ admits he has suffered the most difficult week of his short time as Liverpool boss – but insists his decisions were for the good of the club.

The Anfield chief has been criticised for fielding a weakened side for the FA Cup defeat at Burnley, just four days after losing at home to bitter rivals Manchester United.

The former Valencia boss accepts his policies will now be under even greater scrutiny in a crucial Premiership trip to face Southampton.

Benitez insists he was not being disrespectful to the traditions of the FA Cup at Turf Moor, but was making decisions to benefit the club in the long term.

It has emerged skipper Steven Gerrard would have been unfit to play at Burnley with a thigh muscle injury that could also rule him out at St Mary’s.

Only Jamie Carragher, John Arne Riise, Dietmar Hamann and Luis Garcia have been added to that squad from Turf Moor, such is the injury problems Benitez faces.

“I have to look at the bigger picture,” Benitez said. “I am working to build a new team for the future and if you want the team rebuilt then you need money. We do not have much money here at the moment which is why I am trying to be imaginative in the transfer market.

“I never want to be a manager who says we can’t win this or that competition, but the reality is I know we don’t have a squad which can compete for four trophies.”

Benitez has added 19-year-old England U21 keeper Scott Carson to his squad and could also recall Fernando Morientes and Mauricio Pellegrino, with the two new signings not registered in time to play at Burnley.

“I do understand the situation with the FA Cup, I discussed it with our English coaches and staff. But we have to look at the future,” he added.

He added: “Gerrard is a doubt for the Southampton game. We knew he was not fit for Burnley and if we do play him too quickly he could be out for a month, two months. We have seen that with Milan Baros.

“It is my decision, to decide on my team and to take account of the future. I decided he could not play at Burnley and he may not play at Southampton. I would rather I had him fit for the games next week.

“Perhaps it has been the most difficult week for me here. But I have to decide things not only for one game but for the future and to see the bigger picture.

“I was also upset by what happened at Burnley, not just our fans.

“I understand what people are saying about the FA Cup. But I needed to do the best thing for my club. I accept what has been said, I understand, but I must do what I think best for my club and for my players.

“I want to learn about football in a foreign country, and I understand why people are disappointed by losing in the FA Cup. But the board want something in the future and I must consider that and what people want here.”