Rafa plays down trio’s absence

Rafael Benitez tried to play down the absence of Peter Crouch, John Arne Riise and Jermaine Pennant from the players’ lap of honour after our final home game of the season against Manchester City last Sunday, despite reports suggesting the trio are on their way out of Anfield during the summer transfer window in a frenzy of activity.

“They were not in the squad, so they had freedom to do what they want.” said Rafa.

“Sometimes players who are not in the squad do not come to the ground.” he added.

Why those players wouldn’t come to the ground is a mystery, do they not realise who they’re playing for?