Post by Bismarck on Apr 18, 2008 15:56:37 GMT
Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has defended his right to select the team of his choice to play at Fulham.
Bolton manager Gary Megson has called on Benitez to select a strong team for Saturday's game against the Trotters relegation rivals.
But Liverpool play Chelsea in the Champions League on Tuesday.
And Benitez said: "I will be thinking a little about Chelsea. I have players I don't want to risk and I've enough quality in the squad to win at Fulham."
Liverpool lost to Fulham at the same stage of last season after Benitez rested several key players - and he was criticised by Sheffield United for his team selection.
The Blades were subsequently relegated, but Benitez added: "I know there was criticism last season when we did something similar at Fulham, coming from Sheffield United.
"But what did they do in their last game? They lost. So I feel it is sometimes better to look to yourself and what you do.
"Teams have 38 games to play each season, that is enough. So you are responsible for your own luck."
Fulham are currently second bottom in the Premier League with 27 points, while Bolton are one place above them with with 29 points.
And Megson recently said: "Liverpool are going to have a massive say in which teams go down.
"We would hope that Rafa Benitez will retain the integrity of the Premier League with his squad selection."
But Benitez countered: "What did Bolton do in the Uefa Cup with their team selection? They left players out.
"I will use the players I believe will be good enough to win this game, and the next one and the next one. I believe 38 games is enough to be successful or not.
"Look at what all the teams in the middle of the table have been doing recently.
"They have been using different players, young players, and they have been preparing for the future."
Well is Megson right?Or should he mind his own bloody business.....
Bolton manager Gary Megson has called on Benitez to select a strong team for Saturday's game against the Trotters relegation rivals.
But Liverpool play Chelsea in the Champions League on Tuesday.
And Benitez said: "I will be thinking a little about Chelsea. I have players I don't want to risk and I've enough quality in the squad to win at Fulham."
Liverpool lost to Fulham at the same stage of last season after Benitez rested several key players - and he was criticised by Sheffield United for his team selection.
The Blades were subsequently relegated, but Benitez added: "I know there was criticism last season when we did something similar at Fulham, coming from Sheffield United.
"But what did they do in their last game? They lost. So I feel it is sometimes better to look to yourself and what you do.
"Teams have 38 games to play each season, that is enough. So you are responsible for your own luck."
Fulham are currently second bottom in the Premier League with 27 points, while Bolton are one place above them with with 29 points.
And Megson recently said: "Liverpool are going to have a massive say in which teams go down.
"We would hope that Rafa Benitez will retain the integrity of the Premier League with his squad selection."
But Benitez countered: "What did Bolton do in the Uefa Cup with their team selection? They left players out.
"I will use the players I believe will be good enough to win this game, and the next one and the next one. I believe 38 games is enough to be successful or not.
"Look at what all the teams in the middle of the table have been doing recently.
"They have been using different players, young players, and they have been preparing for the future."
Well is Megson right?Or should he mind his own bloody business.....