Benitez makes light of rivals' criticism
Rafael Benitez arrived in Portugal to help Liverpool defend their Champions League title with the words of his greatest rivals ringing in his ears.
Benitez will send his Reds out against Benfica in the Estadio da Luz tonight with a quarter-final slot at stake, aware that Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has been telling everyone in his Portuguese homeland that Benfica can beat the European champions.
Following Liverpool’s FA Cup win over Manchester United – to achieve one quarter-final place already against Birmingham – United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has been criticising Liverpool as a team that “plays only for five minutes to win”.
Benitez shrugged off Mourinho and Ferguson’s remarks, reasoning: “If we have arrived here and some people are talking about us then that must mean we are doing something right – and people think that.
“If we can win a game in five minutes against a top team just think how much more terrible damage there would be if we played for the other 85 minutes.”
Benitez can afford not to take the criticisms to heart as long as the European Cup sits proudly back in the Anfield trophy room.
He said: “I prefer not to talk about other people’s teams. But when managers talk aout mine then we are doing fine – so I am happy.
“We know this will be a very difficult game. Benfica have fine players, a wonderful stadium and a fine manager.
“We have great respect for them, and that is how we will approach this. We are certainly here with confidence after beating Manchester United and Arsenal in the same week – and we know that another victory would really help to improve that confidence further.”
Benitez will give midfielder Xabi Alonso a fitness test on his thigh injury but expects the Spaniard to be available for this last-16 clash.
He said: “I am asked if we are favourites here, I do not know. But we will certainly not be complacent. We are not looking for just a draw – we always start a game intent on scoring and winning.”
Benitez would give no hint on whether Robbie Fowler will get to play his first ever European Cup tie.
“Robbie is desperate to play, and I understand that,” he said.
“But then we have 18 players here all desperate to play, which makes it easy for me. The bench will be full of players equally desperate to get on to the pitch.”
Goalkeeper Jose Reina is certain of his place, after taking over from Jerzy Dudek on Saturday now his suspension has been completed.
Reina said: “This has been a great week for the club so far. We have beaten two outstanding teams – and if we can add one more win it will be a perfect week.
“But we must not make the mistake of just enjoying those victories and getting carried away.
“We feel we can repeat what this club did last season – why not? But to do that we have to show confidence and go out and prove it.”
