He seems to have spent these alarming past few days constantly erupting, like a dormant volcano suddenly spewing lava. If Rafael Benitez is growing nervier, he is hardly descending into a period of timidity. Whether or not he is tension-ridden, Benitez is throwing tantrums. The Spanish coach continues to emit some toxic fumes in his disregard for Manchester United officials. The United manager Sir Alex Ferguson's relationship with referees and the authorities, and their chief executive David Gill's position within the Football Association have all incurred his ire in some seemingly impromptu, and baffling addresses.
He spent time in the stand wired up to the touchline at Stoke City's Britannia Stadium on Saturday, but when the time came to holler, Benitez curiously fell silent at a stage when Liverpool needed to begin bawling. Liverpool continue to lead the league, but lost more than two points at Stoke. They lost momentum. It may be a cliche, but it is also a truism to say that percentages are crucial to success in sport, especially in the small margins that indicate the eventual destination of a Premier League.
During his rise to six world snooker championships in the 1980s, the studied Steve Davis was known as the master cueman, a self-absorbed character who tended to get his tactics right most of the time. His mindset was watertight because when faced with a pivotal shot at a key moment, Davis would play what is commonly known as the 'percentage shot'. He also had the courage of his convictions to see it through. The greatest managers, like snooker players or golfers, tend to quickly decide what is the most appropriate shot to play in a certain situation, the one that is most likely to help them discover riches. In such a respect, Benitez may be a wonderful companion, but has been found wanting in misjudging the mood of the moment. Liverpool were perhaps fortunate to remain goalless after over 70 minutes, but with the match spiralling towards a draw, a stocky Stoke side suddenly seemed slipshod and tired. Unlike during the 5-1 roasting of Newcastle United, the same Liverpool side were stagnating up front, the main thrust of their attacks coming Steven Gerrard's bursts.
A change was needed if Liverpool were going to depart Stoke with a win, but Benitez seemed in a state of paralysis. In digging for gold in football, a manager does not need a shovel, just a sense of direction and an intuition that cannot be picked up on a Uefa coaching course. Robbie Keane seemed the natural answer to support fellow substitute Fernando Torres, but he looked forlorn on the bench as Benitez sat po-faced and stubborn. Benitez will argue that his side did not lose, but the chance to win was lost because of such hesitation. It would have hardly been a gamble to bring Keane to the party after watching Dirk Kuyt grow isolated in the lone striker's berth. Instead of throwing the kitchen sink at a hardy Stoke, and pairing Torres and Keane in the final 20 minutes, Benitez could not even manage to toss some crockery in their direction.
There has been a whole steaming pile of nonsense engulfing the Premier League this week, much of it brought on by Benitez. The United manager Sir Alex Ferguson was scalded after wondering if Liverpool would get nervous the longer they lead the table. It was a point that could easily have been laughed off. One should probably question Benitez's thought process, as Ferguson yesterday did. It is a pertinent question.
Faint heart never won fair lady, or a trophy. Benitez may have a steady hand and a steady head, but he is not a risk taker. Manchester United broke Chelsea up into small pieces in their 3-0 win on Sunday, and can pass them with their two games in hand. Benitez should dispense with such childish carping when his own defects continue to raise as much debate. @Email:dkane@thenational.ae
