Football story by Brian Watters, Sat, 29 Oct 2005 22:32:00 GMT


LIVERPOOL: Coach Rafael Benitez has denied there is any crisis at European champions Liverpool. He told his detractors to wait and see the end of the season before passing any judgement, even as the side is at the 13th place in the Premier League, some 18 points behind champions Chelsea.

Citing last year's instance, when the team was lagging, he said it ultimately won the Champions League and now the Super Cup.

Benitez believes there will be a change in people's minds if the team beats West Ham at Anfield on Saturday.

Benitez said Liverpool's scouting department is looking for at least two players, whom the side needs -- a midfielder and a central defender. He also banks on Mark Gonzales, who has passed medical with the Reds but will not be able to play until at least the start of next season as the club cannot apply for a work permit until next summer.

Liverpool has not won the English league in the last 15 years. With one quarter of the season over, the side is practically not in the race, following its 2-0 defeat at Fulham.

Benitez apparently wanted a win to boost the confidence of his players and he fielded many of his first-team stars including Steven Gerrard, Sami Hyypia, Dietmar Hamann, Fernando Morientes and Peter Crouch. However, rivals Chelsea too could not go beyond the third round when they lost to Charlton on penalties.

The Reds have scored only five goals in eight league matches this season. They have won just two games - 1-0 over Sunderland and Blackburn who were both reduced to 10 men.

Liverpool may miss the service of Czech striker Milan Baros, who was sold to Aston Villa. He is not a team player but his speed could terrorise tiring defenders late in a game.

Last season, Liverpool and rivals Everton battled for the fourth-place finish. A few more poor results this season and Liverpool could find themselves joining bottom-club Everton in the fight to avoid the drop.

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