Liverpool manager Benitez defends team rotation

LIVERPOOL, England, Sep 26 (Reuters) Liverpool coach Rafael Benitez defended his rotation policy today after failing to name the same team for 93 games in succession.

Benitez is expected to change his line-up once more when Liverpool play Galatasaray in the Champions League at Anfield tomorrow.

''Sometimes you have to protect players even if they don't like it,'' Benitez told reporters.

''They want to play in every game but I have to look at the bigger picture.

''You can't play 65 games a season and sometimes it is better to keep players fresh for the end of the season and games where you can win trophies.'' Liverpool have not won any of their last five Champions League games and if they do not beat Galatasaray in the Group C match they will record their worst Champions League run.

''You can talk about statistics but we have changed players since last year and the statistics will change,'' Benitez said.

''We had a good draw at PSV (Eindhoven) and now we must win our home games. If we do that we will qualify.'' The four teams in Group C, which also includes Girondins Bordeaux, are all level after two 0-0 draws on day one.

Liverpool midfielder Luis Garcia says Benitez has built a better team than the one that won the European Cup two years ago.

''We think we are a better side now, but we have to show it,'' he said.

''We won the cup two years ago but people want more.

''Every one was wanting us to win it again last year but it was really difficult,'' the Spain international said.

''Not many teams win it two years in a row and now we have to try and do it again to prove we are a good team.'' Reuters DH VV1945