Heighway brands Benitez 'crazy'
Former Liverpool Academy coach Steve Heighway has branded Rafa
Benitez 'crazy' for the Spaniard's decision to assume charge of the
club's youth policy.
Heighway left his job at Anfield last week after 19 years of
nurturing now world-famous names such as Steven Gerrard and Michael
Owen.
While admitting he has the utmost respect for Benitez's managerial
acumen, Heighway is adamant that his departure will prove
detrimental to the club's long-term interests.
Heighway, whose last responsibility at Anfield was to oversee
Liverpool's FA Youth Cup win over Manchester United, told the
Times: "Rafa is a terrific manager, but I think I'm the best coach
of 17 and 18-year-old players in this club.
"But I no longer get the chance to do that. It's crazy, mad and
it's to the detriment of the young players here.
"If they are not working with the best coach of young players, then
what is this football club doing?
"It's not an ego thing, but one thing I am absolutely sure about is
that the best thing for the players is to be with me.
"My influence is being taken away too soon over the best players
and I'm not convinced that what they are going to do is better for
them.
"I would urge any football club to make sure the Academy is not one
of the areas the manager controls."
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