• Premier League

Benitez admits Liverpool need overhaul

Soccernet staff
April 30, 2010
Rafael Benitez feels Liverpool need some fresh blood © Getty Images
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Rafael Benitez has admitted it could take five new signings to turn Liverpool into trophy challengers once more.

The Merseyside giants crashed out of the Europa League semi-finals to Atletico Madrid thanks to Diego Forlan's extra-time strike at Anfield. Although Liverpool finished 2-1 victors, Forlan's away goal proved decisive, condemning Benitez's team to end the campaign empty-handed.

"Someone said we needed four or five players," Benitez said. "I would more or less agree with that. That is what we have to do. Liverpool is a massive club. There has been a change in the last two or three years. We have had to balance the books and manage in this way.

"I do not know whether I will have any funds. We will find out in the summer. But the name is there and we have to do our best for it.''

Whether Benitez is in place to undertake such a massive rebuilding job remains to be seen. Juventus are said to be keen on the Spaniard, who saw his hopes of leading Liverpool to a third European final under his charge collapse after they had found themselves in such a promising position.

Benitez was cagey about his future, refusing to look any further ahead than the two games his side have left. "The future is Chelsea. And then Hull,'' he said. "Everything seems to have been against the players this season. It is clear that we had some problems. We had too many injuries and were lacking forward options. But the players worked so hard tonight and I am very proud of them. Now we have to concentrate and do our best in the next two games.''

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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