Posted: Sun Nov 30, 2008 12:32 pmBenitez backing for Dossena
Boss admits it will take time for summer signing to adapt
By James Dall Last updated: 29th November 2008
Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has called for patience over Andrea Dossena as the defender adapts to the physicality of the Premier League.
Dossena has made 13 appearances for the Reds this season since signing from Serie A side Udinese in the summer.
The left-back has competed with Fabio Aurelio for a place in Benitez's starting XI and has sometimes struggled for form.
Benitez, though, is content with the 27-year-old's development at Anfield and feels he will eventually prove a success for the club.
Battling
"The main thing for me is that he is working very, very hard," Benitez told the club's official website.
"The other day against Marseille he was trying to impress. He was going forward well and, okay, he made some mistakes in defence, but he also blocked some shots.
"He is working very hard but maybe he needs to be a little bit calmer and relaxed when he plays because he's a little bit anxious now."
Better
Benitez added: "It's difficult because Italian football is very tactical. Everyone is together and they don't play too many long balls - it's less physical than English football.
"So, he will need time - but the main thing for me is that he wants to improve, that's clear.
"He needs to know the system here and he will improve. You never know how long it will take but hopefully he'll be better in the next game."
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Eh? he made some mistakes? ofcourse he did, he made alot of mistakes. Blocked shots? which ones? the ones that hit him and goes back to the opposition player?
Clearly our gaffa still rates him, he may improve, but he will never be good enough I think.
SOURCE
Boss admits it will take time for summer signing to adapt
By James Dall Last updated: 29th November 2008
Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has called for patience over Andrea Dossena as the defender adapts to the physicality of the Premier League.
Dossena has made 13 appearances for the Reds this season since signing from Serie A side Udinese in the summer.
The left-back has competed with Fabio Aurelio for a place in Benitez's starting XI and has sometimes struggled for form.
Benitez, though, is content with the 27-year-old's development at Anfield and feels he will eventually prove a success for the club.
Battling
"The main thing for me is that he is working very, very hard," Benitez told the club's official website.
"The other day against Marseille he was trying to impress. He was going forward well and, okay, he made some mistakes in defence, but he also blocked some shots.
"He is working very hard but maybe he needs to be a little bit calmer and relaxed when he plays because he's a little bit anxious now."
Better
Benitez added: "It's difficult because Italian football is very tactical. Everyone is together and they don't play too many long balls - it's less physical than English football.
"So, he will need time - but the main thing for me is that he wants to improve, that's clear.
"He needs to know the system here and he will improve. You never know how long it will take but hopefully he'll be better in the next game."
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Eh? he made some mistakes? ofcourse he did, he made alot of mistakes. Blocked shots? which ones? the ones that hit him and goes back to the opposition player?
Clearly our gaffa still rates him, he may improve, but he will never be good enough I think.
SOURCE
). Would be nice to see a few of our youngsters make the step up to the first team.
, dossena is still better than him , but he has not done justice to that with his performances . if he does not perform by January it will be a good time to sell him back and get a replacement , ala bridge as aurelio is too injury prone .
. It would leave them with only one recognised left back in Cole, and I'm not sure Scolari would go with that at all.