Liverpool thrashed 5-0 in Germany
Benitez was given plenty to think about ahead of Wednesday
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Friday, 04, Aug 2006 10:27
Liverpool ended their pre-season tour of Germany with a 5-0 drubbing by FSV Mainz.
The Reds, who face Maccabi Haifa in a Champions Leaque qualifier on Wednesday, were below par against the German side despite fielding a strong team including new signings Jermaine Pennant and Craig Bellamy.
Skipper Steven Gerrard created the best chance in a goalless first half after beating two defenders but drilled his shot wide from the edge of the box.
But the hosts stunned Rafael Benitez's side with five second half goals as the Reds lost their third successive friendly game.
Benitez said afterwards the FA Cup holders pre-season performances have been dominated by errors.
"The only positive to take from the game in Mainz is that it was a pre-season match." he said.
"It is clear that we made a lot of mistakes and gifted them a lot of goals, but it wasn't an official game. In the first half I thought we were the stronger side but after the break we made too many mistakes."
"When we get home we can start a new week with a new mentality and a new idea and I'm sure we'll be much better on Wednesday when the official games begin."
Elsewhere, Ajax drew 1-1 with Inter Milan in the second match of the Amsterdam tournament following Manchester United's 3-1 win over FC Porto despite having Wayne Rooney and Paul Scholes sent off.
Portsmouth were held 0-0 by Conference side Oxford United with striker Lomana Lua Lua forced off with an ankle injury in the first half following a collision with the goalkeeper.