Benitez calls for tackling clampdown

LONDON (AFP) — Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has asked English referees to give his players greater protection from what he says are poor tackles.

Benitez headed back to his native Spain on Tuesday ahead of Liverpool's Champions League match away to Deportivo La Coruna.

But he did so without 14 million pound striker Djibril Cisse, who will miss the rest of the season after breaking his leg in Saturday's 2-2 draw with Blackburn.

And while Benitez said Cisse's injury was not something he had in mind, the physical nature of the English game remains a concern for the former Valencia boss.

Benitez said of Cisse: "I spoke to him yesterday (Monday) and he is comfortable and has got a positive attitude, he is already talking of being out six months and wanting to play in the final month of the season."

He added: "I have now ...