D Monday, December 21, 2009 METROSPORT 23 UNDER-FIRE boss Rafael Benitez has admitted Liverpool have changed targets after Saturdays woeful defeat at Portsmouth. It comes days after Benitez gave guarantees of a top-four finish in the Premier League for his side. The Spaniard also launched a bizarre rant against referee Lee Mason after the dismissal of Javier Mascherano during the 2-0 defeat at Fratton Park, sealed by stunning strikes from Nadir Belhadj and Frederic Piquionne. We have to start working this week, preparing for the next game, he said. You have to change your targets and think about one game at a time. That is the only way. Last season, Benitezs outburst aimed at Manchester United and Sir Alex Ferguson when he kept repeating facts, was criticised as counter-productive but this time he continually described Mason as perfect. Benitez said: The referee was perfect. He didnt make any mistakes. He was perfect in giving fouls to [Fernando] Torres, he was perfect in everything. He was perfect. Benitez, however, did claim the sending off just before half- time changed the game. The ten players were working very hard, he said. Credit to them, they were in the game.New targets: Rafael Benitez Rafa in perfect storm as Reds are humbled again Mancini priority will be to unite a City divided RobeRto Mancini will be unveiled as Manchester citys new manager today knowing his first task is to restore order to a dressing room in revolt. but the italian will also come into a job where predecessor Mark Hughes found the expectations of the clubs owners changed, it has been claimed. Hughess sacking straight after the 4-3 win against Sunderland triggered an angry reaction from a group of players who remain solidly behind the Welshman. While Robinho, a 32.5million purchase imposed on Hughes, will shed no tears at Hughes exit, the core of citys side including Shay Given, craig bellamy and Gareth barry were part of a group that urged chief executive Garry cook to reverse the decision to dismiss a man who was only appointed 18 months ago. Unsurprisingly, given Hughess exit seems to have been plotted for more than a fortnight, it had no effect. but resentment remains and Mancini must restore calm before his first match against Stoke on St Stephens Day. Having been handed a 3million-a-year contract that it is said will be extended to a full three seasons should city qualify for next years champions League, Mancini has a fortnight to assess the squad at his disposal before deciding how much of the abu Dhabi billions he must invest during next months transfer window. city chairman Khaldoon al-Mubarak revealed the decision had been taken in response to a run of just two Premier League wins in 11. but League Managers association chief executive Richard bevan criticised the im- patience of overseas owners, saying: Mark and everybody else in this country realises you cant buy trophies in one season. New Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini become the third Italian in charge of a Premier League club, following Carlo Ancelotti at Chelsea and Gianfranco Zola at west Ham, and former strike partner Gianluca Vialli believes Citys owners have made a wise choice. Former Chelsea boss Vialli, who played with Mancini at Sampdoria and for Italy, said: Roberto has won the Italian championship three times in a row and the Italian equivalent of the FA Cup four times. He has managed Lazio and Fiorentina as well as Inter Milan. Hes been a top class player and hes quite experienced as a manager. He has been working hard over a year and half to learn english and has been living in London a few months to learn the language. 2 Premier League games City have lost this season, fewer than any other team Blazer glory: New City boss Roberto Mancini Picture: EPA Viallis backing Roberto to succeed SOCCER pReMieR league By david keNNedy I had no idea, says Hughes MARk HUgHES has confirmed he was not told he was going to be sacked ahead of Manchester Citys win against Sunderland on Saturday. His reign as City boss came to an end in the immediate aftermath of the 4-3 win, with the clubs owners announcing Roberto Mancini as his replacement. The demeanour of Hughes (pictured) during and after the win at Eastlands suggested he was aware of the boards decision to terminate his contract. But in a statement issued via the League Managers Association, he said: I was informed after yesterdays match against Sunderland that my contract was being terminated with immediate effect. I was given no forewarning as to the clubs decision. given the speed with which my successors appointment was announced, it would appear that the club had made its decision some considerable time ago. index.html2.html3.html4.html5.html6.html7.html8.html9.html10.html11.html12.html13.html14.html15.html16.html17.html18.html19.html20.html21.html22.html23.html