Benitez made no apology for rotating his players

Striker Peter Crouch reportedly had showdown talks with Rafa Benitez after being axed from Liverpool's squad for the weekend win over Aston Villa.

"I have heard that there are some problems with Crouch - that's not the case," said Benitez.

"I don't have any problem. It's the same with Jermaine Pennant, Xavier Mascherano, Yossi Benanyoun, Sebastian Leto and Lucas Leiva," added Benitez.

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Crouch, Mascherano and Benayoun were all included in Benitez's squad for the Champions League game with Toulouse, while Jermaine Pennant, who started the game against Villa, was left at home.

"It's the same answer for everyone. I now hope I don't have to repeat this to the media every week," said Benitez.

"We may be in a very good rugby town here in Toulouse. But this isn't rugby - I cannot use 15 players.

"Sadly, I've been unable to persuade Fifa, Uefa, and the Premier League to allow me to use 12 players in every game.

"I can only use 11 - and I cannot have more than 18 players in a squad for a European match, unfortunately.

"Every player knows they have teammates to consider. They're professionals and they need to be ready for each game. I'll always have the same answer."