Hiddink upset by Benitez reaction
Wednesday 15 April 2009
After a memorable night at Stamford
Bridge on which Chelsea and Liverpool scored eight goals
in a game that could have gone either way until the
90th minute, the reaction of Rafael Benitez towards
Guus Hiddink as the two left the arena was remarkable.
Although Benitez' words could not
be heard, it was clear that - judging from Hiddink's
angry face afterwards - what he said to the Dutch coach
wasn't very nice.
Asked just what Benitez said to
Hiddink the Dutch interim-coach was still not amused
by Benitez' demeanor.
"He said to me that it was
all the fault of the referee. In my opinion that was
a bit too much. I can understand his frustration at
going out this was, but you shouldn't go blame the referee
at such a moment. Being emotional is okay during the
game. But after the final whistle there is no place
for such a stance. I believe both teams made a lot of
mistakes."
Hiddink admitted that his heartbeat
had been up to a rate of 180 at times during the match
and that he had used some harsh language during the
interval to try and get his team back on track after
a poor first half.
"Contrary to our game plan
the players were too reluctant and cautious. They sat
back way too far," Hiddink said.
"So I got pretty furious during
the break and made some minor tactical changes. It's
not that I shouted at them for the full fifteen minutes.
We just put them on their marks again. I know this team
can react and they did."
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