Klinsmann slaughters Benitez’s Liverpool work

Jurgen Klinsmann has slammed the work of Rafa Benitez at Liverpool.

The former Spurs and Germany striker, who met Kop owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks for talks about taking over from Benitez, hit out after the Reds' latest humiliating Champions League defeat on Wednesday.

Klinsmann, 45, told Sky Sports: "What you miss in Liverpool is the technical pace and the passing.

"They have a couple of players who can do that but not all over the place. There's no real flow and there's a lack of creativity.

"If it's down to Torres or Gerrard, then that's not enough.

"You can't always put it on the shoulders of two players. That's why they need more quality in the team to make sure they finish in the top four this season.

"It is a big surprise that Liverpool didn't make it to the final 16 because they have always been there over the last few years and had tremendous success.

"There were always questions at the start of the season - especially after losing Xabi Alonso, who was a tremendous asset to Liverpool over the last few years.

"It's sad that Liverpool are not in the knockout stage because that is where they belong, Liverpool's name is huge on the continent. In my opinion they are lacking creativity and a real No 10, a playmaker, and a great world-class striker next to Torres.

"It's frustrating to see where they stand now. Over the stretch of six games they just couldn't keep up. They lack quality.

"It also shows in the Premier League that they don't have the consistency to keep up with the big teams. Now is a moment to think about how they are to go forward."