Rafa not arrogant, says asst coach Lee

Even as rival managers Ferguson and Allardyce accuse Benitez of being disrespectful, Liverpool assistant manager Sammy Lee denies all accusations

Rafa not arrogant, says asst coach Lee

Even as rival managers Ferguson and Allardyce accuse Benitez of being disrespectful, Liverpool assistant manager Sammy Lee denies all accusations

Bad boy? Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez

Last week the Spaniard came under fire from Blackburn manager Sam Allardyce and Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson, who accused him of being disrespectful and full of contempt.

The comments were sparked by a gesture made by Benitez when his side scored the second of their four goals against Rovers at Anfield the previous Saturday.

Humiliating
Allardyce said it was a humiliating gesture that "typifies the man", while Ferguson waded into the row by describing the signal as an unforgivable show of contempt.

Benitez was not present to defend himself at the club's press conference ahead of tomorrow's important Premier League clash at home to Arsenal but Lee gives his boss his full backing.

"One thing I will say is Rafa is certainly not arrogant," said the former Reds midfielder.

"I think it is quite sad really. We only get on with the job we have to do, we try not to consider what other people are thinking or saying about us.

"We are a humble football club, we have a healthy respect for everyone and the job in hand and, having that respect, win, lose or draw we have humility about ourselves.

"When we get out on that park we only try to affect what we can, which is our team.

"Any gestures made pitchside are made to our players, not to anyone else. If anyone sees anything in any gestures they are mistaken."

Lee, who was Allardyce's assistant manager for a spell at the Reebok, felt the current Blackburn boss should have voiced his concerns at the time if he felt there was an issue.

Surprised
"I'm surprised, if Sam felt that strongly about it, he didn't mention it to me when we were having a drink after the game," he added.

"We have a close relationship but I can't speak for what other people read into things. Whatever other people do is entirely up to them.

"We know what we want out of football and it is not for us to talk about other football clubs.

"This is Liverpool Football Club and when people are successful others will always want to knock you down."

Lee dismissed the effect Ferguson's mind games would have on a Liverpool side who will go top of the Premier League with a point against Arsenal.

"It goes over my head to be honest. I think football is quite a simple game, people seem to be trying to complicate things and put their little slant on it," he said.

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