Things are not looking good for Liverpool. After the 2-1 defeat by Besiktas, they could be heading towards an early exit from the Champions League. The narrow win, at the expense of Everton last week, brought some cheer but it only covers up the weaknesses.
This defeat leaves Liverpool with just one point from their opening three Group A matches. And with a crunch match against high-flying Arsenal on Sunday, the fans can be forgiven for feeling a sense of doom and gloom in their team.
A victory would restore the confidence and put them back within three points of Arsenal but a defeat will leave them trailing by nine points.
There is no denying that Benitez has brought silverware to Anfield during his time but it has been a long wait for Premier League success. The fans have been patient and it is not as though Benitez is operating on a shoe-string budget.
Funds have been made available to strengthen the squad this summer, and naturally, expectations have been raised. The strong performance early in the season has also piled on the pressure for Benitez to clinch the Premier League title.
Failure in the Champions League, which has been a saving grace for Benitez, will raise the dreaded question. Is Benitez the right man to lead Liverpool?
Three more matches remain and Liverpool have to win all to progress to the next round of the Champions League. Despite the loss, Benitez is putting up a brave front and insisted that there is not much wrong with the team.
He said: “The players on the pitch were doing well. We had 28 attempts on goal, it was not the creating of chances that was the problem, it was putting those chances away.”
Liverpool should be confident of a win against Besiktas and FC Porto at home but securing three points from a trip to group leaders Marseille in their final match in December represents a daunting task.
Popularity: 5% [?]
If you liked my post, feel free to subscribe to my rss feeds
BlogoSquare