RAFA: I'VE SPOKEN TO STEVIE

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Rafa Benitez is standing by his decision to substitute Steven Gerrard in the derby – and has spoken to his skipper at Melwood this morning.

Gerrard was replaced by Lucas with the scores level midway through the second half of the 206th Merseyside derby.
  
Benitez told Liverpoolfc.tv: "When you are a manager you need to make decisions, not just think about them.
  
"You must think how you can win the game. Every player is the same for me when you are trying to win a game.
  
"We have talked because every player would be disappointed, especially Gerrard because it was a derby. He wanted to score the winning goal, but he is okay. After some time he'll understand that it was an idea and I was thinking about the best for the team."
  
Gerrard looked disappointed at being withdrawn against his bitter rivals – something which didn't surprise his manager.
  
"You know when you change a player he must show that he wants to play, but I think he was okay at the end."