Liverpool owner backs beleaguered Benitez as Reds teeter on Euro brink

Tom Hicks has thrown his support behind Benitez

13 April 2012

Liverpool co-owner Tom Hicks insists Rafael Benitez still has the full backing of the club's hierarchy and has dismissed criticism of the Spaniard's rotation policy.

Benitez has been criticised for his selective use of blockbuster summer signing Fernando Torres so far this season and last night's 2-1 defeat by Besiktas left them bottom of their Champions League group.

But Hicks, who owns the club with fellow American George Gillett, told Sky Sports News: "We back Rafa. He's the right manager.

"Rafa's rotation has been his policy for three years.

"Rafa's ability to coach and manage in the Champions League should be unquestioned.

"We had a disappointing loss because we got outplayed by the Turks.

"I think we have our work cut out, but yes we can qualify. We have to win the next three games."