Rush slams players as he backs Benitez

Ian Rush has told Liverpool players they need to take “a long, hard look at themselves” as he gave his backing to manager Rafa Benitez with the club continuing to struggle this season.

The Reds currently sit 8th in the Premier League table having lost seven times already, lacking creativity and confidence.

Kop legend Rush however believes critics are all too quick to jump to blaming Benitez and believes the players need to pull themselves together.

He said, “I still believe in Rafa Benítez and I’m convinced he will secure a top-four finish for Liverpool this season.

“However, a number of his players have got to have a long, hard look at themselves.

“When I saw Fernando Torres, Steven Gerrard, Pepe Reina and Jamie Carragher walking off at Portsmouth on Saturday, they looked upset and annoyed.

“After a defeat like that, I want to see that in all 11 of them because it should hurt them all, not just a few. Some players have got to be mentally stronger.

“Big expectations come with playing for Liverpool and that goes back to the standards set years ago by Bill Shankly and Bob Paisley.

“We aren’t reaching those standards at the moment and too many are struggling to handle the pressure.”

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