Benitez happy with Garcia
Liverpool, Saturday September 11 2004
Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez expressed his delight at his team's convincing 3-0 victory over West Bromwich Albion at Anfield on Saturday.
The Spanish manager is excited with the Reds finally being able to string together a collection of passes after some indifferent displays earlier this season.
He was also particularly impressed with new signing Luis Garcia's performance on attack.
"We played much better with very good movement in attack and Luis Garcia gave us a lot of possibilities. He is a good player," said Benitez.
"We have made a step forward and there are a lot of bigger steps to go."
"After the break we were able to counter-attack and the result was a good one for Liverpool.
"But it is just a little step forward, we win 3-0 and it is OK, but there are a lot more steps to come from us. I liked a lot of the team play but we still gave the opposition too many opportunities."
The former Valencia boss also clarified why he replaced skipper Steven Gerrard - who set the Merseyside outfit on their way to victory with the first goal.
"Steven came off because he was a little tired and it is good when you are winning well to bring on others," added Benitez.
"Steven has just played two matches for England and sometimes you have to give a player a rest. We have some big matches coming up and we need him for these games."
West Brom boss Gary Megson, who has been under intense pressure to hold onto his job before this loss, claimed the Premiership new boys were guilty of allowing the home team too much time on the ball.
"We have to learn lessons and we must not give teams so much respect in this division," said Megson.
"We also have to realise that this division is not just about passing the ball, it is about what you do when you do have possession.
"Even though they scored first I felt we could get back into it but the second just before the break took the wind out of our sails."
He was, however, happy with the contribution of the club's new £3.5million striker Robert Earnshaw.
"We decided not to throw him straight in. He had been away with Wales for 10 days, arrived at our place on Thursday and travelled the day after.
"It was a bit unfair to then throw him straight in against Liverpool at Anfield but when he did get on their were glimpses of what we want from him.
Megson did not also not gave any insight to his immediate future with The Baggies.
"I have read a lot, but none of it is emanating from me. All I can do is my job," Megson added.
"I don't know what my future is, I do not have a crystal ball, nobody does. Nothing has been said to me about my future."