Rafa on MU, EPL title and players
 | Rafa Benitez took time out of his pre-match preparations to speak to radio journalists as part of the build-up to tomorrow's clash with Manchester United. Here is what he had to say in full. |
 Journalist: Rafa, a lot of Liverpool fans have said to me that they'd love to see the team go out at Manchester United in the same way they did against Real Madrid during the week. Can you do that at Old Trafford? Everything is possible. We will play against another team in another scenario. They have a lot of confidence in the league, so clearly it will be different and difficult. But if we play with the same high-tempo and keep the ball in the same way, then why not? Journalist: How much confidence do you take from that win against Madrid? I think we needed to play a good game to beat a top side like Madrid. We had confidence before, but now the mood is really good. I think people are waiting for this game with great excitement. Journalist: You've achieved many things during your time as Reds boss, but you have never won at Old Trafford. What has been the stumbling block? They are a good team and the atmosphere at Old Trafford is really good for them, so it is not easy - but maybe this can be the first time. Journalist: Would it represent a closing of the gap between the two sides if you were to complete a league double over them? Our idea is to get the three points, reduce the gap and stay close. We want the team to keep thinking about the title race. We know it will be very difficult, but if we can start the game well, I think we can do it. Journalist: Looking at the way the season has gone it would be fair to say Liverpool and Man United have been the best teams in England this season. When you consider the results in midweek, would it also be fair to say you are the two best sides in Europe too? We are both in a good position and have done well. You can say yes, but it would just create headlines. Looking at Europe, you can see the four English teams are still there, but I'd rather be in the final and then we can talk about these things. Journalist: Javier Mascherano's sending off last season caught all the headlines. Did it show that this is a game for cool heads? Yes clearly. In these types of games it is important to work really hard, play with your heart and also with your brain. The small details can decide the game, so you have to keep all your players on the pitch. Journalist: So you have to hope the man in charge has a similarly cool approach to it? It's not easy for the referee so you have to approach the game thinking they will try their best. Hopefully it will be okay. If he doesn't make a mistake, it will be up to the players on the pitch to make the difference. Journalist: Your players seem to show extra motivation ahead of big matches - do you sense it is there ahead of this one? Yes, this is the kind of game everyone wants to play in. It was the same against Real Madrid. They all want to play. Journalist: Ryan Babel played particularly well against Real Madrid on Tuesday night. Does that please or frustrate you because he hasn't always achieved that level this season? You have to be pleased when a player is doing well. It is very positive for his confidence and good for the team. We know he has talent. We are working with him. He is a young Dutch player who needs time. Van Persie was the same, Bergkamp was the same, so we have to be patient. We are now hoping to see the best of Babel for the rest of the season. Journalist: Of course, he has fond memories of playing against Man United this season, having scored the winner at Anfield back in September... Yes, he got the winner. It was very good for him and very good for our fans. To beat United was important. Journalist: Can the fact many are writing you off in the title race, act as a motivation to some of your players? It could be the case. We want to be in a position where we are proud and improving. We play for the club and the fans. It is part of our responsibility to try and do well. Journalist: So you still believe in your title chances? Clearly, if we can beat United you never know what can happen. If we can reduce the gap it will give us more confidence and we will approach the forthcoming games with positivity. Journalist: Do you sense an extra desire going into this fixture, this season, compared to ones in the past? Yes because we are in a much better position. We know it is a challenge. We know it can make a massive difference if we win there. Journalist: It's a while since you last scored there isn't it? Yes it is. Clearly, you must score the first goal. The players will then play with more confidence so we will try to do that. Journalist: Will Fernando Torres need an injection for the clash at Old Trafford? I don't know. Maybe. He was training today and is fit, so if he does it will be to just ease the pain. | |
