Beardo support for Rafa

Peter Beardsley has thrown his support behind Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez.

The former Anfield star insists the Spanish boss is the best man for the job and puts most of Liverpool's difficulties this season down to injuries to their most influential players, Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard.

Beardsley said: "Look at most teams in the world. If they lost their stars then they would struggle. If you lost Rooney out of Manchester United's team they would struggle.

"The criticism is a bit over the top. He (Benitez) has done a brilliant job at Liverpool.

"They were really close last season to winning the league. When you look at the Premier League as a whole this season most of the top teams have lost three, four or five games which is unusual.

"He has got the respect of the players and the fans want him to stay."

This story has been reproduced from today's media. It does not necessarily represent the views or position of Liverpool Football Club.