Juve got to be kidding, Rafa

IF THE reports emanating from Turin are to be believed, Rafael Benitez is being considered a serious contender to become the next manager of Juventus.

The voices of his growing number of detractors at Anfield will be incredulous at the link and the deafening silence of the protesters trying to retain the services of the Spaniard will be cast iron proof the tenure of the man who has guided them to two Champions League finals is rapidly reaching an end.

Whether Benitez manages to limp to the end of the season or not, it seems inconceivable that he will be in charge next season now that Liverpool appear to have made no discernible progress since he took charge of the club in 2004 and the fact that the Spaniard was moved to suggest that claiming a another clean sheet, against the lowest scorers in the Premier League, without a league goal in over 400 minutes, was a “positive” to take back to Anfield was a further indictment.

The manner in which Liverpool stuttered and stumbled at Molineux would make the regulars at the Stadio delle Alpi cringe, especially his treatment of Italian international Alberto Aquilani, the most expensive substitute in the Premier League, as he remains a £20m bench-warmer as Liverpool’s season meanders aimlessly.

As for Juventus, Benitez was unwilling to make any comment, other than he “wanted to concentrate” on the game against Wolves and that it had not provided any kind of unwelcome distraction to Liverpool’s preparations. The fact the Turin club are apparently preparing a contract of employment cannot fail to catch Benitez’s eye and he is no doubt flattered by the interest. With the continued financial malaise at Anfield, it is hard to believe the former Valencia manager will not depart for pastures new.

His guarantee of a top-four finish certainly looks flimsy on this evidence. Their inability to defeat Mick McCarthy’s side was embarrassing enough, but the manner in which they were shown incapable was even worse. Even with the galvanising presence of Steven Gerrard, who was clearly still operating on one leg, after a two-week absence. “His match fitness needs to get better and with him we have a chance to win the games we need to make the top four,” said Benitez.

But Liverpool failed to build on the momentum generated by their victory over Spurs less than a week earlier and it was a missed opportunity, whether Benitez cares to admit it or not.

For all Liverpool’s failings Wolves were more than worthy of a point that will have renewed McCarthy’s belief that his side have the combative qualities to avoid relegation this season.

Despite not managing a goal to extend their dry sequence to four games, the point will be a welcome one that lifts Wolves out of the bottom three and the manner in which they frustrated Liverpool and finished stronger than their illustrious opponents was reflected in the supporters’ reaction at the final whistle.

It will certainly lift spirits ahead of Wolves’ crucial trip to face Hull City at the weekend.

Even if Wolves were hardly in adventurous mood, playing five in midfield and leaving Kevin Doyle alone up front, it was needs must for McCarthy and the ends justified the means. “It was a good point and we more than deserved it. We have been on 19 points for too long and I had to play that way,” he said.

Despite his isolation Doyle was a constant menace, his willingness to cover the miles incredible and even in his solitary role, Liverpool’s nerves creaked every time he was in possession. He forced one save from Reina with a header, whilst off balance and another rising shot from 25 yards flew over the target with Reina again scrambling to position himself.

“If anyone has seen a more complete centre forward performance at Molineux, on DVD, VHS, Pathé News, I’d like to see it,” said McCarthy. “If he scores it is the all-round centre forward performance.”

Liverpool could have done with some of his spirit and willingness to chase lost causes. The fact that Albert Riera’s speculative lob from fully 30-yards was their only effort on target all evening is a cause for huge concern and Benitez knows that is nowhere good enough.

WOLVES: Hahnemann 6; Craddock 7, Berra 7, Zubar 6, Mancienne 6, Foley 6, Henry 7, Ward, Jarvis 8, (Guedioura, 89), Milijas 6, (Jones, 5; 73), Doyle 7.

LIVERPOOL: Reina 6, Kyrgiakos 7, Insua 5, Carragher 5, Skrtel 5, Gerrard 5, Riera 6,(N’Gog, 6; 67), Rodriguez 6, Mascherano 5, Lucas 6, Kuyt 6.