Should George Gillett be playing the blame game?

Liverpool co-owner has spoken out following the club’s indifferent start to the season, pointing the finger at Rafa Benitez. He has defended his own position and that of Tom Hicks, suggesting the investment they have made means they can not be held responsible for any shortcomings. Are his comments either useful or valid?  

“We have invested more money than our competitors, in keeping with the history of the club,” he is quoted as telling a representative of the fans’ group Spirit of Shankly last week. “Now if it’s not getting better, it’s not Gillett and Hicks; it’s the manager; it’s the scouting. You have to make sure you balance out your analysis.”

Gillett also claimed that the £30 million from Xabi Alonso’s sale went straight back into Benitez’s kitty and added to funds of “£22-23 million as part of our budgets”. He went on to suggest that Liverpool are in a better financial position than any of the other top four clubs. These are fairly bold claims by the American, is there any substance to them?

With regards to transfer funds, it is difficult to understand how Benitez was financially outmuscled over the summer by Sunderland for the signature of Michael Turner, who proved his worth with an outstanding game against Manchester United at the weekend. Instead he had to settle for the £1.5 million signature of Sotirios Kyrgiakos from AEK Athens.

It might become clear what remaining funds are available when the January transfer window opens, but the approach of Gillett and Hicks towards investment at Liverpool appears to be very cloak and dagger. They have fallen into the habit of accusing the media, and indeed Liverpool fans, of going on a witch hunt, yet they aren’t prepared to issue regular statements as to what is being done.

In terms of criticism of Benitez’s management, most Liverpool fans would agree that there have been a few questionable decisions this season. For example, Benitez has persisted with Lucas Leiva when it is clear his team mates don’t have the confidence in giving him a short ball to distribute given his passing is average at best.

However, the players also need to shoulder some of the blame. Steven Gerrard had a quiet game against Chelsea, as he did against both Tottenham and Aston Villa. Jamie Carragher has also looked short of his normal dominant best in defence, whilst players such as David Ngog and Ryan Babel continue to disappoint when given the opportunity to shine.

Regardless of the rights and wrongs of Gillett’s comments, the timing of them is extremely questionable. On the back of three defeats, Liverpool now go on a run of games which see them face Sunderland, Lyon and Manchester United, and could decide the fate of their season. Is it really a good time to be calling into question the competence of their manager?

With thanks to Tom Harrison and Kelvin Little for contributions