19 Sept 2016

Transfer Truth: 'Iconic' £32m striker confirms Liverpool 'did everything' possible to sign him

Despite being constantly marginalised, Ex-Red Christian Benteke proved to be a model professional at Liverpool, and although he rarely got a consistent chance to prove himself, Benteke - to his credit - remains a class act.

Speaking to Sky Sports over the weekend, Benteke revealed that Brendan Rodgers 'did everything' possible to seal his £32m transfer to Anfield, and added:

"It was an honour to play for Liverpool, a big club with a big history. [The] frustration is at myself that in the short time I had to play, I didn't do it as I wanted".

Benteke also bemoaned his lack of consistent opportunities at Anfield:

"I didn't have the chances to perform. I wanted to do more [but] I learned that's football".

Benteke is admirably magnanimous here, but the reality is he was treated shabbily by Jurgen Klopp, and experienced several other obstacles during his brief LFC career. Consider the following:

* Two separate injuries during the season (13 games missed)

* The upheaval of managerial change just 8 games into his Liverpool career.

* Substitute, subbed off, or an unused sub in 75% of games.

* Jan 2-May 15: Given just 360 minutes of game time in the Prem (Averaging just 25 minutes per game).

* Zero confidence/encouragement from Klopp, who publicly criticised Benteke, and made it clear he had little faith in the Belgian.

Quite how a striker is supposed to thrive under these conditions is anyone's guess. As a comparison: Roberto Firmino averaged a goal/assist every 151 minutes (worse than Benteke), but he got regular game time, and benefited from having the confidence of the manager.

If Benteke^ performed better than Firmino in a demotivated, marginalised state, just imagine what he could've done if he'd been motivated, encouraged, and granted regular game time...

* Aug 2016: Cost Crystal Palace £32m. Described by Alan Pardew as 'fantastic' and 'iconic'


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