Anfield old boy tips Liverpool FC fans to turn on Benitez

Paul Jewell fully expects Liverpool supporters to turn against under-fire manager Rafael Benitez following last night's defeat to Wigan Athletic.

The 45-year-old spent two years with his boyhood club as part of the Anfield youth set up between 1982 and 1984 before forging a successful playing and managerial career with the Latics.

Hopes to secure a Champions League place were dealt a severe blow at the DW Stadium and sees the Reds remain a point behind rivals Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur, having played one game more.

Jewell, who also enjoyed spells as manager of Bradford City, Sheffield Wednesday and Derby County, believes that patience is now wearing thin amongst fans with Liverpool currently in sixth place.

He said: "The fans have closed ranks in the past but they won't put up with that.

"There are ways to lose and last night was no way to lose. Liverpool can't go to Wigan and get outplayed like that.

"As a team Liverpool are a million miles from being as good as the club."

Xabi Alonso's departure to Real Madrid last summer, Jewell believes, has been an integral factor in the muted performances of captain Steven Gerrard and his mis-firing Liverpool team mates.

He added: "Steven Gerrard was gutted when Alonso was sold to Madrid. He knows he's a better player with Alonso in the team.

"When he got the ball the first player Alonso would look for is Gerrard and it's significant Liverpool aren't scoring as many goals as they have in the last few seasons."

--
Follow our breaking LFC news on Twitter, at http://twitter.com/clickLFC

Comments about Anfield old boy tips Liverpool FC fans to turn on Benitez