Benitez still has support of Fairclough

Published on Monday 2 November 2009 22:00

LIVERPOOL are facing the prospect of their worst run of results since the Bill Shankly era started 50 years ago – but under-fire manager Rafael Benitez has received backing from an Anfield legend.

Benitez is battling to overcome a horror injury list ahead of the make-or-break Champions League showdown in Lyon tomorrow. A loss there would mean seven defeats in eight games after Saturday's 3-1 setback at Fulham, when star striker Fernando Torres was substituted at 1-1.

The Anfield club have never experienced such a run since Shankly was appointed, the 50-year anniversary of the charismatic Scot's arrival in 1959 being 1 December.

Former Anfield hero David Fairclough has supported Benitez, and said: "The club is moving in a certain direction, and this season it has been totally in Benitez's hands.

"So to sack the manager, or even think of sacking the manager, is only going to throw Liverpool backwards.

"We are going to have to stick with him and hope that we turn things around."

He added: "I know some fans who were disappointed when Rafa took off Torres at Fulham, but the lad clearly wasn't fully fit.

"Liverpool have been hit by injuries and illness, and clearly had there been any more injuries or problems late on in the game, it would not have been helpful for the team plan for Wednesday night.

"But I can see Liverpool getting the result they need in Lyon - I believe they can win there.

"They have had situations like this before, and have produced the right results so they are more than capable of doing it again."