Rafa's reaction
:
Rafa Benitez was clearly frustrated by Everton's tactical approach
following a Merseyside derby that ended 0-0 at Anfield.
Liverpool enjoyed the better of the play throughout but ultimately
failed to score as they failed to put pressure on second-placed
Chelsea.
Everton were good value for their point after producing a battling
display at the home of their great rivals, but Benitez was irked at
what he perceived to be negative tactics from the men in blue, whom
he described as a 'small club'.
"I'm really disappointed because we have seen one team that wanted
to win, and one team that didn't want to lose," Benitez told
PremPlus.
"We tried to keep going, keep going forward, but it was really
difficult because they were defending and playing counter
attack.
"When you play against eight players behind the ball, narrow and
deep, you cannot create many clear chances. You just keep
trying.
"It is how they want to win points, you cannot say anything about
this.
"We were trying. When you play with the
small clubs it is
difficult, they play deep."
Liverpool are still waiting to hear whether Javier Mascherano will
receive Premier League clearance to begin his Anfield career
following a move from West Ham, but Benitez had no news regarding
the eligibility of the Argentinian.
"I don't have any idea. We are waiting. With confidence, but
waiting," Benitez added.
Of a wider significance at Anfield is the news that American
businessmen George Gillett and Tom Hicks could be close to sealing
a takeover of the historic club after talks with DIC fell through
last week.
Benitez for one is hoping that talks are resolved quickly to put an
end to the intense speculation about the future of the club.
"If it's next week it will be better, then we can start talking
again about football."
