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Is Rafael Benítez capable of yet another great escape? | Kevin McCarra

Source: The Guardian

Nov 03, 2009

Summary

His squad is depleted and form is poor – but some of Rafael Benítez's finest triumphs have come in adversity

Rafael Benítez often seems conservative and even glum. Compliments are handed out so sparingly that the Liverpool manager must suppose they are a natural resource on the brink of exhaustion. Experience has deepened the wariness in his character and Benítez had been sacked twice by lower-division clubs in Spain before making his breakthrough.

Even then, Valencia had been spurned by other candidates before they arrived at his name well down the list. Adversity seems natural to Benítez. That is just as well, considering the circumstances Liverpool face tomorrow night. It would be an achievement to take a draw in Lyon, although such a result would probably still leave his side struggling to get out of Group E.

The immediate challenge is to keep some hope alive. Liverpool have prospered under Benítez in the Champions League precisely because of a survival instinct. He won the trophy at his first attempt with Liverpool, but it tends to be forgotten that there w

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