Rafa Benitez backing Fernando Torres-Robbie Keane strike force
RAFA BENITEZ today backed his misfiring forwards to hit the target when it really matters, despite a barren spell which has seen Liverpool score just once in their last three pre-season games.
The Reds boss believes it is only a matter of time before his attacking players get back on the goal trail, particularly with Fernando Torres now having returned to the fold and Robbie Keane recruited.
Liverpool wasted several chances in Wednesday night's goalless draw against Villarreal, the second time the Reds have drawn a blank during their programme of warm-up games.
But having seen six of his players hit double figures last season - a record which no other club in the Premiership could match - Benitez's faith in his team's ability to score goals remains unshakeable.
"In the last two games we have created several chances but either the opposition keeper has played really well to stop us from scoring or we have just missed the target," he said.
"There is no problem. I am sure the goals will come and the important thing is that the players are creating chances.
"When they have more sharpness they will score more goals.
"At this stage it is all about preparing for the start of the season and I know that when the season begins my players will be ready.
"Last season Fernando Torres, Steven Gerrard, Ryan Babel, Dirk Kuyt, Yossi Benayoun and Peter Crouch all got double figures for us, so I know we have the players to score goals.
"Crouch has left but we have brought in Robbie Keane, who also got double figures for Tottenham, so I am not concerned."
Liverpool go into tomorrow's friendly against Rangers at Ibrox looking for a win after three consecutive draws against Villarreal, Hertha Berlin and Wisla Krakow and having notched up just four goals in five pre-season games they will also be keen to prove that they have the necessary firepower to make an assault on the Premier League title.
But Benitez is adamant that there is no long-term problem, particularly after the arrival of £20m man Keane, who the Reds boss is convinced can take some of the goalscoring burden off the shoulders of Torres and Gerrard in particular.
And he believes Liverpool now have the kind of forward line which will strike fear into the heart of opposition players and managers.
He added: "I think defences will be worried for sure but we will see.
"Other managers and defenders will try to do things but the presence of Gerrard or Kuyt or Babel, those players will causes problems for defenders - and maybe they cannot cope with everyone.
"It is important for Torres to have another player who can score goals but we have more options with better players.
"We have more offensive players."
Meanwhile, Liverpool are still hopeful that a deal can be struck to sign Gareth Barry from Aston Villa.
The 27-year-old remains desperate to bring the long-running transfer saga to an end by moving to Anfield and is likely to harden his stance rather than soften it in the light of Villa's ongoing refusal to sanction a proposed deal.
tonybarrett@liverpoolecho.co.uk
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