Rafa explains squad changes

Last updated : 13 September 2006 By Al Campbell
Benitez left out Steven Gerrard, Xabi Alonso, Sami Hyypia, Luis Garcia, Robbie Fowler and Peter Crouch against the Dutch champions. After the game the Liverpool boss explained why.

"I have explained many many times that we can't play every game at one hundred per cent," said Benitez.

"We played against Everton, a difficult game, and decided to change. We have a good squad and we can use different players.

"We have more options in every game and I always talk about a long race. I don't talk about one game and two games."