Liverpool striker Djibril Cissé has told reporters in France that he’s so unhappy at being left on the Reds bench that he’s thinking seriously of a move away in the winter transfer window.
Djibs was actually brought to Anfield in a deal brokered by Gerard Houllier before he was sacked. When Rafael Benitez arrived the French star arrived at the same time, and many reports claim that Rafa doesn’t rate him.
This season coach has been using his own new signing Peter Crouch as a lone striker. Cisse has been tried as a right-winger, but despite his speed has yet to show anything like the quality in that position that Liverpool need. More often than not he’s been on the bench, and feels it could be time for a change soon.
At a press conference on international duty for France, Cissé said: "I accept Rafa Benitez’s decisions and I’m patient. But I’m not going to stay on the bench all season. At the moment it is only the start of the season but if the situation does not change, my thinking will be different in December. "
Cisse may not have a choice – last season’s constant complaints at Rafa’s selection policies by Milan Baros saw the Czech striker leave the club during the summer. Cissé’s public complaints won’t be viewed too kindly by Rafa, meaning Cissé’s departure in the new year is extremely likely.
Cissé’s main complaint at a lack of appearances is fuelled mainly by the fact that this is a world cup season, and if he’s either unused or used out of position his chances of appearing in Germany are limited. The same reasons are what almost brought Michael Owen back to Anfield, which does raise questions as to how Liverpool might have played had he returned.
The lack of league success so far this season may yet force Benitez to change his tactics, and if Cissé gets his chance it’s up to him to show the boss what he’s capable of.