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Wednesday, 10 February 2010

World News Benitez's Time Up - Berger

Former Liverpool winger Patrik Berger insists "time is up" for Rafael Benitez as Liverpool manager.

The Spaniard has come under pressure for much of this season, with the team 13 points adrift of Premier League leaders Chelsea and in severe danger of failing to progress from Champions League Group E.

Benitez's transfer policy has also frequently raised eyebrows, with Berger alluding to a lack of quality throughout the squad.

And the former Czech Republic international told BBC Radio 5 live: "He did ever so well for Liverpool but in my opinion, for him time is up and they should change their manager as soon as possible.

"He has spent so much money over the years - he did have success a few years ago but right now, for me, Liverpool do not look a side who can win either the Premier League or Champions League."

Injuries have hampered the Reds for much of the current campaign, but Berger believes Benitez is lacking options having allowed several big-name players to leave Anfield.

"In my opinion, Liverpool are not as strong as they were last year or the year before," he continued.

"If they have all the top players fit, the starting XI is very strong - but as soon as they lose two or three, they don't really have the same quality as when they had Craig Bellamy, Peter Crouch or Robbie Keane on the bench.

"They really rely on the starting XI, if they get a few injuries they are struggling. If they don't have a Steven Gerrard or (Fernando) Torres up front they really look, to me, an average side."

Copyright (c) 2009 Press Association

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