Benitez supports Babel

(GSM) – Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez thinks his team will improve now the transfer window is closed. The Spanish manager believes his side will be able to perform better without the speculation surrounding the squad.

Benitez named Ryan Babel as an example. The Dutch winger was almost continuously linked with a move to Birmingham City but he stayed at Anfield.

Benitez believes Babel’s form was affected by the speculation and he now feels the Dutch international can show his true ability for the rest of the campaign.

“If we play without the speculation surrounding Ryan Babel then I am sure it will be easier for him to focus and for me to play him,” explained Benitez.

“So I think we will be better in attack and the team will be better.”

Benitez also had news on the injury front. He revealed that the injured duo Glen Johnson and Fernando Torres are likely to remain sidelined until March.

“Glen is still progressing,” said Benitez. “It’s looking like he will be back in another three or four weeks. When he was first ruled out, it looked like he would be out for two months and it has been a month so far.

“Fernando is progressing too. Hopefully he will be back in the same time, while Yossi Benayoun could return in two weeks.”