Rotation System - Does It Work?

Last updated : 12 October 2007 By Footy Mad - Editor

Allardyce could face that when Mark Viduka, Alan Smith, Obs Martins and Michael Owen return for Premiership action next week. And we haven't even mentioned Shola Ameobi.

One man totally against the system is Wales manager John Toshack, who is concerned Rafael Benitez's rotation policy is having a detrimental effect at Liverpool and causing "confusion" within the club.

The Reds are still unbeaten in the Premier League but have won only one of their last six league and European games.

Former Liverpool striker Toshack fears the constant chopping and changing of line-up at Liverpool may be behind the lacklustre run. And Allardyce has already taken stick from Merseyside for suggesting Benitez is lucky to still be in a job.

Toshack: "I really hope Rafa knows what he's doing, as it's clear people at Liverpool are starting to get a bit nervous.

"His constant choice of rotating his squad is really angering the fans, and within the club, I think there is a good deal of confusion right now.

"Having spent a very significant amount of money on around 40 players in just over three years, I hope Rafa hasn't bitten off more than he can chew.

"It's the case that if you change the team so regularly then the players simply don't have time to gel together on the pitch."