Baros shows annoyance to Benitez over time on bench

Milan Baros has criticised the Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez for continually substituting him as the battle between the Czech forward and Djibril Cissé to lead Liverpool's attack in the Champions' League final intensifies.

It is clear that the fit-again Cissé is now a genuine candidate to play from the start in the final against Milan in Istanbul on 25 May. Baros and Cissé - back from a broken leg - played a half each in Liverpool's defeat at Arsenal on Sunday, with the Frenchman prominent in a vastly-improved second-half display by the team. Now it is likely that Cissé will start his first Premiership game on Sunday - at home to Aston Villa - since breaking his leg at Blackburn in October.

Baros, who has been substituted 22 times in 43 appearance this season, said: "I am annoyed that when I'm fit I only warm the bench. Or when Benitez takes me off even if I haven't used up all my energy. I need to play. Only then will I be better than I am now."

This is the second time this season Baros has criticised Benitez. It happened after the Carling Cup final when Baros was left out of the starting line-up.

The 23-year-old could well be sold in the summer but says: "I have not said I am going to leave Liverpool. I have some offers. If I leave the Reds, I would like to play in a team which would be at least at the same level as Liverpool in regard to playing in European competitions. And I would like to play there constantly."

It is believed Valencia and Fiorentina are interested and there is even speculation that Everton are also watching the situation.