Benitez responds to Pennant jibes

Last updated : 29 September 2009 By Adam Bryant

The 26-year-old, now with Real Zaragoza, criticised Benitez's man management skills and went on to suggest that Dirk Kuyt was a failed forward after being switched to the wing by the Spanish boss.

But Benitez has quickly responded in support of Kuyt.

"I saw what he had to say, but I don't intend saying too much about him," he said. "Kuyt's record is there for everyone to see and he doesn't need me to defend him.

"You only need to look at the impact he has made to see he is picked on merit and has become an extremely important member of our squad.

"He speaks out on the pitch and doesn't have to say a single word to justify his place."