Big guns return for Reds’ warm-up
Benitez is expected to field all his big guns in Liverpool’s final pre-season friendly against Mainz in Germany ahead of Wednesday’s Anfield clash with Maccabi Haifa, the Israeli champions.
Boss Benitez knows there can be no mistakes in the third qualifying round first leg at home to Haifa, a tie Liverpool have to win to ensure the minimum £12 million (€17 million) that comes from reaching the European Cup group stages.
That extra cash could be vital as Benitez bids to bring in the top-line striker he needs, with more talks expected on Dirk Kuyt’s future with Feyenoord.
Liverpool need a respectable lead to take into a second leg — still without a confirmed venue from UEFA because of the Middle East crisis — and Benitez is expected to field his strongest side yet in Liverpool’s pre-season build-up.
Steven Gerrard, Peter Crouch, Jamie Carragher and Xabi Alonso are expected to make their first starts of the summer since the World Cup.
Benitez is likely to be without new recruit Fabio Aurelio with a calf injury and Robbie Fowler with an ankle problem.
The young brigade who have been blooded on pre-season — Jack Hobbs, Gabriel Paletta and Paul Anderson — will likely be left on the bench.
Whether Benitez gives Mark Gonzalez another crack is open to debate. The Chile international has been a disappointment so far, but the Liverpool boss has some sympathy.
Benitez said: “Mark wants to play so well, he’s playing not so well. He’s always trying to go forward and wants to go faster than he has to at this time.
“We don’t have any doubt about the quality of the player. He has to work for his place like all the players, but we know he is a top player at a top club and he will do well.
“He has the pace we’re looking for. At the moment he’s tired because he’s training hard, but in few weeks you will see the quality.”
Hobbs, too, has had a torrid time recently and the 17-year-old admits he is grateful for the support of Benitez and the senior players after his nightmare display last weekend, when he was blamed for all three goals in a 3-2 friendly defeat by Kaiserslautern.
The centre back produced a much better display against Grasshopper on Tuesday, and said: “I’m a lot happier now and a bit relieved to be honest. Last Saturday was a nightmare and I was very upset afterwards.
“But the manager just gave me a few pointers to what I should have done and was very supportive. It was really good of him and meant a lot to me. It certainly helped lift my spirits.
“The players rallied around as well. Many have been through similar experiences. Everyone has been really helpful getting me back on track.”
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