Rafael Benitez criticises Liverpool

10 Mar 2010

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has hit out at his Liverpool side following their 1-0 defeat to Wigan, in a harsh assessment he accused his side of lacking both attitude and character.

“I'm really disappointed,” stated the humourless Liverpool manager.

"In the first half we didn't do anything and didn't show the attitude required. It's difficult to explain.

"At half-time we talked about the things we weren't doing well - the attitude and the character. We made too many mistakes and played too quickly."

The reds face an uphill struggle in order to qualify for the Champion's League after losing to Wigan, their ninth defeat in 29 matches. It has left Benitez's team a point behind Tottenham Hotspur, who still have a game in hand.

Despite Benitez's promises throughout the season that Liverpool would qualify for the Champion's League he was quick to acknowledge his side's faults in their latest display; "We didn't deserve anything in the first half,"

"In the second half we worked harder but Wigan defended really well."

Although able to keep a critical eye on his side during their performance against Wigan, Benitez apparently failed to spot Reds captain Steven Gerrard flashing what seemed to be a V-sign at referee Andre Marriner following a booking.

"I don't know, I was too far away," stated the Liverpool manager.

Meanwhile, Wigan's boss Roberto Martinez relished in his side's victory which helped push them four points clear of the relegation zone.

"We were worthy winners and that speaks volumes about the character of the players," said Martinez

"We have had a few painful lessons and thrown away 19 points and had we even kept half of them we would be in a completely different situation.”

"We must make sure that we finish the season as strongly as we can do.” added the Spaniard.

Liverpool are scheduled to face last-place Portsmouth on March 15th. Sky Bet and bet365 offer 1/4 odds of the Reds beating struggling Pompey.

All odds correct at time of writing and are subject to change