Rafael Benitez: Why Such a Sore Loser?

Alden Sing by Scribe Written on May 18, 2009
WEST BROMWICH, UNITED KINGDOM - MAY 17:   Liverpool Manager Rafael Benitez  looks on prior to the start of the Barclays Premier League match between West Bromwich Albion and Liverpool at The Hawthorns on May 17, 2009 in West Bromwich, England. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images) (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)

It never feels good when a team which was seven league titles behind not too long ago, is now on par with yours. 

Especially after a tumultuous season where euphoria exploded one fine afternoon with a 4-1 victory, only for it to fizzle out like a vitamin C tablet in a glass of water, just one match before the end of the season.

Liverpool were hanging on to a miracle just two days ago. They prayed that Arsenal would somehow, against all insurmountable odds, overcome the big red machine called Manchester United. 

Indeed, Arsenal put on a brave fight. With Man Utd in a party mood, the young Gunners took to the field to make them sweat for their point to win the League. 

Wenger was conciliatory after the draw. Not so Benitez, who believe that Liverpool just passed up one of their biggest chance to wrestle the crown from the reigning champions. 

Benitez said: "I will say congratulations to Manchester United. They have done well, but i do not want to say too much. I prefer just to say well done to the club, a big club, a good club." 

These comments were laced with more jealousy than an ex-boyfriend wishing his jilted lover a happy marriage with her current lover. 

The contempt for Ferguson was palpable. 

I can only say that the pressures exerted both internally and externally is taking its toll on Benitez.

What is it like for a manager who is under such immense pressure to deliver the league title for Britain's greatest football club? 

I guess as fans we will never know the cycle of emotions that Benitez has been through in this title race. 

The Champions League, League Cup and FA Cup have already been delivered but yet the fans clamour for more. The title is what they want. 

After 19 long years, it is time this elusive trophy return to the cabinets of Liverpool football club. 

Whether Benitez will be the right man to deliver this remains to be seen. 

But one thing for sure, the theatrics shown by Benitez's petulance so far can surely be put into better effect elsewhere.

Like for one, start planning for a squad that is less reliant on Gerrard and Torres. 

 

 

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written on May 18, 2009 Opinion

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