Maxi out of Tigers trip
8th May 2010 - Latest News
Rafael Benitez has confirmed Liverpool will be without the services of Maxi Rodriguez for Sunday's Barclays Premier League clash at Hull City - but Jamie Carragher is fit to face the Tigers.
The duo both sustained knocks during last weekend's Anfield encounter against Chelsea, with Carragher twisting his ankle and Maxi picking up an adductor injury.
Both players were rated as doubtful for the trip to the KC Stadium, but Benitez has revealed Carragher will be able to take on Iain Dowie's side.
"Carra is okay, he is fine. I think he can play - we will see today in the last training session," the boss told Liverpoolfc.tv. "Maxi cannot play because he has a problem in his adductor."
The Reds will bring the curtain down on a mixed 2009-10 away to the Tigers, with sixth place the best possible finish they can achieve on the final day.
However, Benitez insists Liverpool are determined to end the season with a win - particularly as overhauling Aston Villa into the top six will ensure they do not have to contest an early season Europa League qualifier.
"It's always important to win. We know we have to improve away and this is an opportunity to do that, so we will try to finish as well as possible," said the gaffer.
"For us it is an opportunity to do a little bit better, be in a better position and avoid a Europa League qualifier.
"Hopefully the players will have the same mentality and vision, and we can push together."
Three points in Yorkshire would represent only Liverpool's sixth away win of the season in the Barclays Premier League.
It's a statistic Benitez believes hindered the Reds' charge for Champions League football and one he is all to aware must change in 2010-11.
"I am sure it (away form) has been a big problem," he said. "I have checked the statistics from last season and they were really good. This year, we could not improve away, so it has been a big difference.
"Away we have not been the best, so for our fans that go away and support the team all the time, we have to do well at Hull.
"I was really pleased in the last away game with Burnley when we scored four goals, played well - hopefully we can do the same again."
Reflecting on the season as a whole, the manager added: "I think it is a disappointing season for everyone here. The expectations were really high but we started the season with problems and defeats. We lost the confidence you need when you want to fight to be at the top of the table all of the time."
While Liverpool's final position in the table is still to be determined, Hull's fate has already been sealed as Monday's 2-2 draw with Wigan Athletic condemned them to life in the Championship next term.
Benitez, though, has nothing but admiration for Dowie's attempts to keep the Tigers in the top flight after taking over from Phil Brown in March.
He said: "For a manager to be in this position is not easy. When the team is in a difficult situation then you have to manage and improve a lot of things. But you don't have too much time, so to be fair, it was so difficult that you can't say too much. He has just tried to do his best."
Meanwhile, Benitez admitted he could be tempted to hand Spanish prodigy Dani Pacheco his first Liverpool start at Hull.
The forward has made six substitute appearances for the first team so far this season having excelled in the Reserves.
"We will have to check on our players, but Dani is doing well and could be an option," said Benitez.
"To train alongside players like Gerrard, Torres and Kuyt will improve him a lot - and he has improved a lot already - so we will see.
"He has quality and he has to keep the same commitment and working hard because when you have talent, it is easier to play well if you work hard."
Author: James Carroll
http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/latest-news/maxi-out-of-tigers-tripI'm excited about the bit in bold.....would love to see Dani get a start.
Last chance to go out with a bit of glory REDS today.
COME ONNNNN............Lets do it !
Logged
