Rafa plays down no.2 role

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has played down the loss of his assistant Paco Ayesteran and claimed that his departure has nothing to do with Liverpool's sudden dip in form.

Ayesteran was in charge of players’ fitness and conditioning at Melwood and Benitez said: “We were analysing the data today and the game in which we ran the most this season was the last one.

"We ran more kilometres and at a higher intensity than any other game. The physical condition of the players was fantastic.

"In terms of coaching, I was coaching, as always.

"I am not a traditional English manager always in my office. I like to be on the pitch.

"I was always on the pitch before, I was on the pitch today and I will be on the pitch tomorrow."