Keane failed to fit into system - Benitez points the finger at Robbie for his failure to become a Liverpool legend

Keane failed to fit into system - Benitez points the finger at Robbie for his failure to become a Liverpool legend

by JOHN EDWARDSLast updated at 3:46 PM on 03rd February 2009

Rafa Benitez has pointed the finger at Robbie Keane and accused him of blowing his big chance of becoming an Anfield hero.After sanctioning Keane's £15million return to White Hart Lane, the Liverpool manager came under fire from Tottenham counterpart Harry Redknapp for failing to give the 28-year old striker 'a fair crack of the whip.'But Benitez was quick to shift the blame towards Keane as he reflected on the way the Republic of Ireland front-runner's £20m arrival from Tottenham last summer failed to live up to expectations.

In happier times: Benitez and Keane together when the Irish striker made his £20m move to Liverpool

Quick fall: Within six months Keane's confidence was gone and the striker was left on the bench and missed the squad for Liverpool's game against Chelsea

Admitting Keane's self-belief had taken a mauling during a traumatic six months at Anfield, Benitez said: 'Robbie needed to get some confidence back, because he has not been playing at the level we know he is capable of.'Clearly, it was a situation that could not be allowed to drag on, so we had to decide quickly when Tottenham came in. Sometimes, you can sign a good player like Robbie, but it doesn't work out. Maybe he doesn't settle in, or build an understanding with other players, or maybe he finds it difficult to fit in with the system you are playing.

Back in white: Keane has returned to Tottenham and will hope to re-build his confidence
'When that happens, it is best to find a solution. He was always very professional, and he seemed happy when he came into the dressing room after our win over Chelsea. But, sometimes, players find they cannot perform at a different club, and it was very clear he was not doing as well as he might.

'Tottenham were pushing all the time, and clearly they believe he can be a fantastic player for them. I hope that is the case, because I wish Robbie all the best.'Benitez dismissed claims Liverpool could face an £8million shortfall on their £20million outlay on Keane but conceded there was a risk element to leaving his strike force a man short.'The figures I read this morning are not true,' he said.

'The difference between what we paid and what we are receiving could be £3-4million, depending on how well Tottenham do. It was a risk worth taking, because he is 28 now, and if we waited until the summer, and he had a poor second half of the season, the money could have been less.'