Thursday, March 28, 2024

Liverpool good enough to win Premier League title, says Benitez

SoccerNews in English Premier League 26 Dec 2018

105 Views

Liverpool have been backed to win the Premier League title by former manager Rafael Benitez.

The Spaniard saw his Newcastle United side beaten 4-0 at Anfield on Boxing Day, a result that saw the Reds move six points clear in top spot.

Goals from Dejan Lovren, Mohamed Salah, Xherdan Shaqiri and Fabinho earned Liverpool their eighth straight win in the Premier League and a 100th victory in all competitions under Jurgen Klopp.

And with champions Manchester City slipping to a 2-1 defeat at Leicester City, enabling Tottenham to move up to second, Benitez feels Liverpool have what it takes to win the league for the first time since 1989-90.

“Liverpool showed that they are good enough to win the title,” said Benitez in a news conference.

“[They have a] very good team, [and] a very good squad so they have very good players on the bench also.

“To win a league title you need to be consistent and they can do it.”

Newcastle had kept clean sheets in each of their last two Premier League matches, but Benitez was in no doubt defensive issues cost his side at Anfield.

“It’s difficult to explain when you lose a game in the way that we lost,” Benitez said.

“We did well, we had our chance, we didn’t take it, we made a mistake and gave them hope and belief but still we were in the game against a very good team.

“We had some moments where they were pushing but you go in at half-time at 1-0 down, then in the second half a soft penalty [which saw Salah fouled by Paul Dummett] changed everything.

“And now you have to explain why we conceded four goals.”

Benitez said before the game it would be a “miracle” if Newcastle survived in the Premier League, despite finishing 10th last season.

The Newcastle boss has regularly shown frustration with the thin squad at his disposal but said there are no January deals in the pipeline.

Asked if that worried him, Benitez said: “Yes.

“I was talking with [managing director] Lee Charnley and still I have the same feeling, that it will not be easy. I have no idea.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

SoccerNews

Soccernews.com is news blog for soccer with comprehensive coverage of all the major leagues in Europe, as well as MLS in the United States. In addition we offer breaking news for transfers and transfer rumors, ticket sales, betting tips and offers, match previews, and in-depth editorials.

You can follow us on Facebook: Facebook.com/soccernews.com or Twitter: @soccernewsfeed.

SHARE OR COMMENT ON THIS ARTICLE

WE RECOMMEND

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This field is required *

Join the conversation!

or Register

Live Scores

advertisement

Betting Guide Advertisement

advertisement

Become a Writer
More More
Top