Rafa: Reds ready for crucial double-header
Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has conceded his side’s next two matches could prove crucial to their chances of reclaiming a place in the Champions League.
Benitez’s men travel to Tottenham tomorrow before a New Year’s Day meeting with Bolton, who moved ahead after the Reds slipped up in a Tuesday defeat at Blackburn.
While Benitez insists he will not look at the table during the hectic fixture programme, he acknowledged that victories over two of his side’s chief rivals were particularly important.
Benitez said: “We know we now have to play Tottenham and Bolton, who are in a league with us and very close together. We know how important it will be to beat these teams and stay in a good position.
“Despite the result against Blackburn we’ve been playing well. Sometimes these kinds of games happen, but we need to keep going and stay confident. All away games in the Premiership are difficult, particularly games like Saturday’s.”
Tottenham will get the chance to draw level on points if they win the showdown at White Hart Lane, with Benitez still left to rue his side’s catalogue of missed chances at Ewood Park.
Prime offender Peter Crouch faces a battle to keep his place up front and is likely to be replaced by Dutchman Dirk Kuyt, who looked more lively on Tuesday as a second-half substitute.
Benitez told Liverpool’s official website, www.liverpoolfc.tv: “When we concede, we sometimes play too quick. Maybe a different style of football is needed when the other team scores.
“Of course, it’s a different game when that happens because the opponent is able to play much deeper and counter-attack. But it’s also clear we need to improve our composure in this area and take control of situations more.”
Meanwhile Liverpool defender Daniel Agger believes his side will have goalkeeper Jose Reina to thank if they do manage to force their way into the top four by the season’s end.
Agger has heaped praise on the Spanish stopper whose proud run of clean sheets was finally brought to an end by Benni McCarthy at Ewood Park on Tuesday.
Agger said: “If you have got a good goalkeeper behind you, you can play with more confidence.
“If you have someone shouting things you can be more confidence. He shouts the right things. With his feet he is brilliant. His passes are amazing. You feel comfortable when you play with him.”
