Benitez backs Gerrard as England captain
Benitez backs Gerrard as England captain
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Monday, 10, Jul 2006 10:04
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has cautiously backed Steven Gerrard to replace David Beckham as England captain.
The Real Madrid midfielder stepped down from the job in the aftermath of England's World Cup exit to Portugal and both Reds skipper Gerrard and Chelsea captain John Terry have been touted as possible replacements.
Benitez has now publicly backed his captain for the national team role, but admitted he would only be happy if the responsibility didn't affect his club form.
"I always want the best for my players, but sometimes the national team and the clubs have different interests," Benitez told the Liverpool Echo.
"I want the best for Steve and if he is the England captain and he is also focused on Liverpool, I will be happy."
The exit of Beckham from the role as captain means that the England team will have a completely new leadership structure for the campaign to qualify for the 2008 European Championship; after Sven-Goran Eriksson stepped down as coach after the World Cup.
New coach Steve McClaren will have the final say and Benitez insists that Gerrard will be ready if he plumbs for the Liverpool man.
"I think he can do it, and if he wants to do it, it's okay," Benitez added.
"But it depends more on what he (Gerrard) thinks rather than what I think."
Meanwhile, striker Djibril Cisse is expected to complete his loan move to Marseille on Wednesday.
The 24-year-old is currently recovering from a broken leg but will join the French side for a season-long loan, with a view to a permanent move.