the great one wrote:ivor_the_injun wrote:Le Tallec urged to take his chance Jan 28 2005
By Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo
RAFA BENITEZ today urged Anthony Le Tallec to make the most of his return to Anfield after ending the youngster's loan spell in France.
Le Tallec's time at St Etienne has ended in time for him to rejoin the Liverpool squad for next Tuesday's trip to Charlton.
Benitez says he was willing to bring Le Tallec (right) back to Merseyside before the injury to
Florent Sinama-Pongolle, but the striker's serious knock increased the urgency to recall players.
"Le Tallec wanted to come back and we've been thinking about it for some time," said Benitez, after both clubs confirmed the 20-year-old's comeback.
"We think it's better for him to be here now. With Flo injured, it makes it even more important for him to return, but we were thinking about this even before he was injured.
"Le Tallec wants to work hard for us, whether he's in the first team or reserves. We don't have a lot of strikers fit so he will have a chance."
After successfully altering his tactics against Watford, Benitez says he'll need another rethink next week due to a one-match suspension to Didi Hamann.
"We decided to use the system against Watford because I knew their left full-back was a very offensive player," explained Benitez.
"By using Milan Baros as an attacking winger we widened the pitch and pushed their defender back.
"It worked in that game, but we may have to reconsider what to do in the next match because we won't have Hamann. He is suspended.
"There is a good opportunity for Igor Biscan. He played well against Watford and he knows he's important because we don't have Xabi Alonso.
"His contract is finished at the end of the season and there are clubs interested in him.
"We've made no promises to him about the future, but we're happy he decided to stay with us because we need him.
"After winning, it's better to have some rest. We have time to enjoy the victory. We have an important game at Charlton on Tuesday.
"We have the same points and know a win will have an impact on the future. We need to do the same as we did at Watford."
The seriousness of Florent Sinama-Pongolle's injury was confirmed today when he was ruled out until August.
Sinama will undergo reconstructive surgery to repair his cruciate ligaments.
After more bad news, there is some light at the end of the tunnel for other players.
"Smicer will play for the reserves on Saturday," confirmed Benitez.
"Josemi should be involved too. I'm not sure if they will be in the squad for Tuesday, but they are getting closer.
"When you have so many long-term injuries it makes it a lot harder to be consistent in your form and that's been a problem."
Should of left him to rot there
Muppet alert.
Should we also bring Heskey back to the club because he's scoring goals for Birmingham as well.
Players like Heskey and Diouf can score for sides like Bolton and Birmingham but they can't do it for us. You think Diouf would be any better if he came back? Diouf is playing well because he's playing in his natural position, and I doubt that he would be ahead of Baros and Morientes.
ALT was injured for six weeks while he was on loan, when he gained fitness the manager StE didn't give him a chance to prove himself.
Benitez wanted to sign ALT when he was at Valencia.
You ought to get you facts straight.
