Liverpool still Paying for Benitezs Incompetence
Added August 25th, 2010 by Ian SOCCER 
Unfortunately for Liverpool supporters, the remnants of ex-manager Rafael Benitezs reign are still affecting the club in a negative way. The case of Italian midfielder Alberto Aquilani is a prime example of Benitezs ineptitude as a football manager as the 20 million pound purchase has been sent packing to Juventus to spend the season back in his homeland.It probably wouldnt be considered much of a story if it wasnt for the ridiculous price Benitez shelled out to acquire Aquilani in the first place last season. Benitez was famous for crying to the supporters and the press that he wasnt being supported by the clubs American owners when it came to transfer money, but anybody who follows football should know that Benitez spent millions and millions of pounds on dozens of players who frankly arent good enough to play for the famous team. Aquilani is just one of those.New manager Roy Hodsgon obviously wasnt that impressed with the 26-year-old player in training camp and pre season games and sent him back to Italy, even though the club finished a poor seventh place last season. However, to be fair to the player, Aquilani suffered with injury and illness last season and was getting used to living in a new country and new teammates.But Hodgson preferred to use the much- maligned Lucas Leiva along with newcomer Christian Poulsen in front of the back four. Hodgson also has to deal with the case of Argentine captain Javier Mascherano, who wants to leave Anfield and England.But this isnt really about Aquilani, its about Benitez, and football in general and how managers can throw away hard-earned money on players who just arent worth it. Even with the addition of Joe Cole, Liverpool still has a woefully shallow squad and that has been exposed during the first two games this season! as they have a grand total of one point in the first two games after being beaten 3-0 by Man City and drawing 1-1 with Arsenal, and that can be traced back to the years Benitez was in charge.Its almost as if theres no scouting system in place at all in football as cash is tossed around like no tomorrow on mediocre players. Did Benitez or his staff actually sit and watch Aquiliani play over an extended period of time or did they just sign him based on his name? A salary cap should be introduced into the sport to save managers such as Benitez from themselves.
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Unfortunately for Liverpool supporters, the remnants of ex-manager Rafael Benitezs reign are still affecting the club in a negative way. The case of Italian midfielder Alberto Aquilani is a prime example of Benitezs ineptitude as a football manager as the 20 million pound purchase has been sent packing to Juventus to spend the season back in his homeland.It probably wouldnt be considered much of a story if it wasnt for the ridiculous price Benitez shelled out to acquire Aquilani in the first place last season. Benitez was famous for crying to the supporters and the press that he wasnt being supported by the clubs American owners when it came to transfer money, but anybody who follows football should know that Benitez spent millions and millions of pounds on dozens of players who frankly arent good enough to play for the famous team. Aquilani is just one of those.New manager Roy Hodsgon obviously wasnt that impressed with the 26-year-old player in training camp and pre season games and sent him back to Italy, even though the club finished a poor seventh place last season. However, to be fair to the player, Aquilani suffered with injury and illness last season and was getting used to living in a new country and new teammates.But Hodgson preferred to use the much- maligned Lucas Leiva along with newcomer Christian Poulsen in front of the back four. Hodgson also has to deal with the case of Argentine captain Javier Mascherano, who wants to leave Anfield and England.But this isnt really about Aquilani, its about Benitez, and football in general and how managers can throw away hard-earned money on players who just arent worth it. Even with the addition of Joe Cole, Liverpool still has a woefully shallow squad and that has been exposed during the first two games this season! as they have a grand total of one point in the first two games after being beaten 3-0 by Man City and drawing 1-1 with Arsenal, and that can be traced back to the years Benitez was in charge.Its almost as if theres no scouting system in place at all in football as cash is tossed around like no tomorrow on mediocre players. Did Benitez or his staff actually sit and watch Aquiliani play over an extended period of time or did they just sign him based on his name? A salary cap should be introduced into the sport to save managers such as Benitez from themselves.English & European Football Clubs & Leagues News | Video | Commentary
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