Wednesday, March 04, 2009

Rafa's cracking up part 1387538
















What a genius!!!!

Rafa Benitez has become embroiled in a bizarre exchange with BBC football reporter Ian Dennis after refusing to reveal why he selected Javier Mascherano at right-back for the game with Sunderland on Tuesday.

Questioned over his team selection following the 2-0 win, Benitez was at his most elusive when interviewed by Dennis. While the interview has been cut from the BBC website, Radio Five Live has provided a full airing of the lengthy game of question and avoidance.

Benitez: "Mascherano had to play there so we needed to do it in this way."

Dennis: "Jamie [Carragher] has played there before so why didn't you use him?"

Benitez: "Mascherano had to play there."

Dennis: "But why?"

Benitez: "Because Mascherano had to play there."

Dennis: "Was it a tactical decision?"

Benitez: "No. He had to play there."

Dennis: "Ok. Any news on your contract?"

Benitez: "No news. We have to enjoy our victory tonight."

Dennis: "You're not helping me much, Rafa! Come on! No clues?"

Benitez: "As I said, the best thing to do is enjoy the victory. I think everyone will be happy tonight."

Dennis: "Enjoy your evening."

Benitez's reluctance to discuss his selection at right-back was mirrored before the game. The Liverpool website still carries the following exchange made between the Spaniard and an unidentified radio hack in the wake of Saturday's 2-0 defeat at the Riverside:

Journalist: "Your injury problems meant you had to put Martin Skrtel at right-back against Middlesbrough. Could you explain why you didn't use Jamie Carragher in that position, and did you feel Martin struggled?"

Benitez: "We had to do it for this game, so we did it."

Journalist: Do you think he maybe had a tough time in that position? Was it a bit unnatural for him?

Benitez: "I was really pleased with him because he wanted to play in this position. It was good for the team."

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