Why Rotations Work: In Defense of Rafael Benitez

When Liverpool draws or loses a match, fans fault Rafael Benitez's rotation strategy.

 

Recently, the manager's seemingly bizarre decision to rest Fernando Torres for two Premiership games and play him in the Carling Cup has been greatly criticized.

 

That said, rotations aren't invariably bad. To wit:

 

How Rotation Works

The point of rotation is to be able to compete in all competitions until the end of the season.

 

In order for rotation to be successful, all player combinations of the first 11 on the field must gel and work together with understanding. This understanding will grow and improve as the season progresses.

Therefore, in the beginning of the season we might see some draws in matches we expected to win (i.e. Birmingham). On paper, our team was good enough to beat a newly promoted side at Anfield, but our players weren't understanding each other perfectly.

This may lead to a few bad results in the beginning of season.

 

Positive Results of Rotation

 

The real strength of rotation comes towards May, when trophies are won and lost.

 

By this time, any 11 picked should be able to play excellently together and Liverpool should be competing in and winning all competitions. Other clubs that cannot rotate efficiently will probably be knocked out of a cup by Coventry City.

 

Rafa’s Rotations

 

Torres was in superb form, so why didn't Rafa play him in those two league matches?

Well, Torres is in his first season of English football. Even he has admitted that it's quicker and more physical than football in Spain.

He must be eased into the Premiership, so he doesn't get injured before May, when we will need him the most.

 

Like Tomkins explained in his column, you don't go thrashing a Ferrari's engine at full speed on the first day. Similarly, we cannot play Torres for a full 90 minutes in all 38 games in his first season.

Furthermore, rotation is not the only factor influencing Rafa's team selection. Tactics, opposition, strengths and weaknesses, injuries, player fitness, and form all are taken into account.

Therefore, at times his decisions might be difficult to understand—but there are reasons behind them, and we need to back him.

 

Have faith and let the man be!