Masch defends Rafa

Last updated : 19 January 2010 By Al Campbell

Benitez is coming in for all sorts of criticism because of Liverpool's awful season. However, Mascherano says it is unfair to pin all the blame on the manager and the players have to take their fair share of the blame.

"It's easier for them to criticise one manager than 20 players. When the team is not playing well, the press criticises the manager and not the players, but we don't have to pay too much attention," said the Argentina captain.

"We have to work, continue training hard and show all our things on the pitch.

"You have to realise that when we are playing like this, people will criticise Rafa, but we are a top side. We need to think about football and try not to worry too much.

"The mentality among all of us is really good and we want to take Liverpool to the place it deserves to be."