Rafa Benitez spoke to radio journalists as part of the build-up to today's Barclays Premier League clash with Bolton Wanderers at the Reebok Stadium. Here is what he had to say in full.
Journalist: Liverpool and the Champions League seem to go together really well. You've got a couple of big ties in there and that's something for the fans to look forward to...
We have experience in the Champions League. The players are happy and they enjoy the experience of international football, so that is good. But, again, these are three new clubs who we have never played against. It will be a good experience for the fans and hopefully we can play at the same level we have done in recent years.
Journalist: You've got a very strong bunch of individuals. Are they collectively in the right mindset after suffering two defeats in three games in the Premier League?
I think the team want to show we are good enough. We have more or less the same squad that got 86 points last season, so the players know they can play better. They know we can do things in different ways. We will try, but you never know in football. Bolton will be very difficult, but I can guarantee the players will be working hard and trying to win from the very first minute.
Journalist: Speaking to Bolton manager Gary Megson this week, he feels the criticism you and the club have received has been unjust and undeserved. Do you feel Liverpool are an easy target?
We are a top side and we went so close last season that maybe some people were expecting us to win a lot of games in a row, but the Premier League is very difficult. Again, we can talk about pre-season and a lot of players returning late, but we know we have to improve. The main thing for me now is to forget the mistakes as soon as possible and try to change, improve and play at the same level we did last season.
Journalist: Yossi Benayoun said after the last match the players are not used to losing two games in the space of a short time. Is this a period your players can use a character building exercise?
Our message has been the same last year and this year: we have to approach every game like it is the last one. We have to try and get three points in every single game and that's it. We can't see the table or be analysing games every time. We have lost two games and we are really disappointed, but now we have an opportunity to change things by winning against Bolton.
Journalist: The two games you did lose were to Tottenham and Aston Villa. They're going to take more points off the top sides this season, so things could equal out couldn't they?
Yes, I think so. I think this season Man City, Aston Villa and Tottenham will be very close. That means you can lose against anyone. These teams are good teams and I am sure that means it will be more difficult for the top sides to win every single game.
Journalist: After the defeat to Villa, a journalist asked you if you felt other teams had worked out your system now. You were quite robust in your answer and said the 86 points you picked up last season proved otherwise. You seem very confident you have a system that can do well...
4-4-2 is the most used system in England and 80 per cent of teams use this formation, so they know each other. Why is it different for us? Everyone knows the systems of the other teams, but especially 4-4-2. It is the most common formation in England. So if everybody knows this, why don't they beat each other every time? In football, sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, but it is not dependant on the system – it is down to the players.
Journalist: So it's about the players and their performance?
Yes. You can play 4-3-3, 4-2-3-1 or 4-4-2, but if you have good players on the pitch playing well it will be easier. Again I will say, if teams know our tactics, why don't they know the tactics of the teams that have played 4-4-2 for years? Everybody knows the systems, it is a question of how to manage the players on the pitch.
Journalist: People have also questioned the strength of the Liverpool squad...
It is correct we had some young players on the bench the other night, but Fabio Aurelio is a senior player who is injured, Agger is injured and we have Aquilani to come back. That is three players and if we put them on the bench people will say we have a good squad. It is a question of trying to keep everyone fit and ready. The young players will also have more experience after this year, so if everyone works together we will have a very good squad.
Journalist: Looking at the start to the season you've had, you've played a couple of tough teams and when you've had a spell like that you don't want to be going to the Reebok Stadium to face Bolton...
We know Bolton will be difficult. They are a physical team and they need to win, so it will be a tough, tough game. But the commitment of the players is good, and our training sessions have been really good, and we have to start winning games. Bolton are next up and we will try to do our job.
Journalist: You beat Bolton twice last season and your record against them in the Premier League is very good, so you can go there with confidence...
Every year is different, but at least we know we can do it, so that is positive. Every year you change players and the situation, so it will be different, but we are confident we can do it.
Journalist: Can you take any positives from your situation? As a manager, do you thrive on what you've got to achieve now?
I think in this situation you have to be calm and analyse things properly because every manager is under pressure from the beginning - the TV were asking me about Gary Megson being under pressure. Every single manager is under pressure if you lose one game. You have to look at the bigger picture. Okay, we have lost two games and people were expecting us to win three in a row. We can manage this by trying to be calm.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Monday, August 24, 2009
Benitez: "Pepe is the complete 'keeper"
| Rafa Benitez believes Pepe Reina will play an integral part in Liverpool's title bid this season - and has backed the 'complete goalkeeper' to once again claim his share of assists along the way. | |
| The Spaniard has enjoyed a fine start to the 2009-10 campaign and turned out a man of the match performance in the opening day clash with Tottenham Hotspur. Benitez feels Reina's excellent from has underlined his credentials as the best goalkeeper in the Barclays Premier League, and says the custodian's unique penchant for creating chances for the Reds' forward line also makes him something of an attacking threat. "Pepe is the best in the Premier League for me. He is the number one," said the boss. "He is good with the ball, good in possession and he is good at organising the defenders and so he can help them. He can also start the counter-attacks. He is the complete goalkeeper. "He is very important for us in attacking terms. He is a threat to defences because when you have Torres and Pepe together you know as a defender you cannot be watching the game. Pepe can give assists. "He works hard on his kicking and you can see how good he is. He has a very good mentality and is always joking so his teammates are happy with him. "When you talk about goalkeepers their job has changed. Before it was just being in the six-yard box saving shots. Now they have to be reading the game and the goalkeeper is now the sweeper. "It is not easy for him with Spain because Casillas is doing so well, but for the level Pepe is he could play for any other country." Benitez added: "A goalkeeper can win you the title definitely. When you are attacking all the time, he might have one save to make and that can be the difference. "The keeper is really a key player, think of Schmeichel and Van der Sar last season for Manchester United." Reina was largely unemployed in last Wednesday's comprehensive 4-0 victory over Stoke City at Anfield, though the 26-year-old did produce a fantastic flying save to thwart Rory Delap in the early stages of the second period. "We have fantastic keepers in England but at a top side like Liverpool it is very, very difficult because normally they are not involved in the game too much," continued Benitez. "To see Pepe at this level from the beginning of the season is really good for us. "He is a player who needs to be focused and concentrated because he has one or two saves to make in a game. "He started very well against Tottenham and the other day the save from Delap against Stoke was fantastic and he dealt very well with the throw-ins. "I think he was really good when we signed him but he now has more experience and knows exactly the style of English football. He is working hard with Xavi Valero (goalkeeping coach), he is more mature. "He has the same qualities, but because he is more mature he is relaxed and he can make better decisions." | |
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Rafa: Kyrgiakos can be attacking threat
Rafa Benitez believes new signing Sotirios Kyrgiakos can offer Liverpool 'something different' - in both defence and attack.
The Greek international put pen to paper on a two-year deal with the option of a further year on Friday.
Benitez admits he is delighted to have landed his man and feels the centre-back can become a genuine threat at set pieces for his new team.
"Since Sami left the club, we have been looking for a player with quality and Sotirios is the kind of player we were looking for," the boss told his weekly press conference at Melwood.
"Our fans have knowledge of international football and he has played in Scotland, Germany and Greece, so I think everyone will know he is a strong, aggressive player who is good in the air.
"He will be a physical presence in both penalty areas, which is good for us because he is exactly the kind of player we were looking for. He can give us something different."
Liverpool are back in action on Monday when they take on Aston Villa at Anfield, and Benitez confirmed the Reds will make a decision on the fitness of Martin Skrtel on the day of the game.
The Slovakian defender is still recovering after colliding with Jamie Carragher against Tottenham Hotspur recently.
With Skrtel forced to sit out the midweek victory over Stoke City at Anfield, youngster Daniel Ayala was given his first competitive start at the heart of the Liverpool defence - and Benitez was pleased with the performance of the 18-year-old.
"I think he grew during the game and improved," he said. "He was a little bit nervous at the beginning, but little by little he got much better and was winning balls in the air.
"It is not easy for a young player to play in an official game at Anfield, so I am really pleased for him. To play alongside Carra was good for him too."
Ayala helped Liverpool keep a clean sheet against the Potters as goals from Fernando Torres, Glen Johnson, Dirk Kuyt and David Ngog secured a comprehensive 4-0 victory.
While happy with the manner of his side's performance, Benitez is confident there is more to come from his charges.
He said: "I think the players wanted to prove they are good enough and it was a good game, but could have been better.
"To score four goals at home and keep a clean sheet is always fantastic, but in terms of the play I think there is plenty of room for improvement, which is positive for me."
Villa are the Reds' next opponents and arrive at Anfield having lost their opening two matches of the season against Wigan Athletic and Rapid Vienna - but Benitez warned the Midlanders will still pose a stern test to his team.
"Villa have very good players who have ability and pace, and they are physically and aerially strong, so it will be a tough game as always in the Premier League," he stated.
The gaffer also reserved words of praise for Dirk Kuyt, who could make his 150th Liverpool appearance if he figures against the Villans.
"It's a fantastic achievement for Dirk," said Benitez. "This is a massive club, so to play that number of games here means we are talking about a good player.
"Everybody knows about his work rate and his quality. He played really well for Holland against England recently, so everybody can see he is not just a worker.
"He is a very good player and teammate with a good mentality and I am pleased for him."
Meanwhile, Benitez revealed the Ashes fever currently gripping the nation has not extended as far as the manager's office at Melwood.
He joked: "I was told some time ago that you can tell your wife you are going to watch a cricket game and come back 15 days later!
"With this game [the Ashes], maybe I will ask for the tape and spend a week analysing it.
"I watched a little bit of it yesterday. It is interesting and if you spend time analysing it, it can be good for the brain."
The Greek international put pen to paper on a two-year deal with the option of a further year on Friday.
Benitez admits he is delighted to have landed his man and feels the centre-back can become a genuine threat at set pieces for his new team.
"Since Sami left the club, we have been looking for a player with quality and Sotirios is the kind of player we were looking for," the boss told his weekly press conference at Melwood.
"Our fans have knowledge of international football and he has played in Scotland, Germany and Greece, so I think everyone will know he is a strong, aggressive player who is good in the air.
"He will be a physical presence in both penalty areas, which is good for us because he is exactly the kind of player we were looking for. He can give us something different."
Liverpool are back in action on Monday when they take on Aston Villa at Anfield, and Benitez confirmed the Reds will make a decision on the fitness of Martin Skrtel on the day of the game.
The Slovakian defender is still recovering after colliding with Jamie Carragher against Tottenham Hotspur recently.
With Skrtel forced to sit out the midweek victory over Stoke City at Anfield, youngster Daniel Ayala was given his first competitive start at the heart of the Liverpool defence - and Benitez was pleased with the performance of the 18-year-old.
"I think he grew during the game and improved," he said. "He was a little bit nervous at the beginning, but little by little he got much better and was winning balls in the air.
"It is not easy for a young player to play in an official game at Anfield, so I am really pleased for him. To play alongside Carra was good for him too."
Ayala helped Liverpool keep a clean sheet against the Potters as goals from Fernando Torres, Glen Johnson, Dirk Kuyt and David Ngog secured a comprehensive 4-0 victory.
While happy with the manner of his side's performance, Benitez is confident there is more to come from his charges.
He said: "I think the players wanted to prove they are good enough and it was a good game, but could have been better.
"To score four goals at home and keep a clean sheet is always fantastic, but in terms of the play I think there is plenty of room for improvement, which is positive for me."
Villa are the Reds' next opponents and arrive at Anfield having lost their opening two matches of the season against Wigan Athletic and Rapid Vienna - but Benitez warned the Midlanders will still pose a stern test to his team.
"Villa have very good players who have ability and pace, and they are physically and aerially strong, so it will be a tough game as always in the Premier League," he stated.
The gaffer also reserved words of praise for Dirk Kuyt, who could make his 150th Liverpool appearance if he figures against the Villans.
"It's a fantastic achievement for Dirk," said Benitez. "This is a massive club, so to play that number of games here means we are talking about a good player.
"Everybody knows about his work rate and his quality. He played really well for Holland against England recently, so everybody can see he is not just a worker.
"He is a very good player and teammate with a good mentality and I am pleased for him."
Meanwhile, Benitez revealed the Ashes fever currently gripping the nation has not extended as far as the manager's office at Melwood.
He joked: "I was told some time ago that you can tell your wife you are going to watch a cricket game and come back 15 days later!
"With this game [the Ashes], maybe I will ask for the tape and spend a week analysing it.
"I watched a little bit of it yesterday. It is interesting and if you spend time analysing it, it can be good for the brain."
Friday, August 21, 2009
Hanson: "New boy could be difference"
Alan Hansen believes Glen Johnson could be the decisive factor in helping Liverpool go one better this season and become Barclays Premier League champions.
The new boy made a huge impression on his home debut against Stoke on Wednesday, scoring one and setting up another.
Hansen was impressed with Johnson's all round play, and thinks his attributes will help transform Liverpool into an even more potent force in 2009-10.
"Liverpool have had some problems in the wide areas, full-backs and wide players, and they needed someone to get past that plain old defender," said the 54-year-old.
"Johnson has got the pace and trickery, and on Wednesday he had a fantastic game, he obviously got the goal as well. He also won the penalty kick on Sunday.
"We've still to see and judge him defensively, but we saw him at Portsmouth on many occasions. He can make the difference, especially down the right side."
The former Reds skipper was also pleased with the overall performance against Tony Pulis's men - and is still tipping Liverpool for the title.
"It was a positive reaction," said Hansen. "They were very effective, they passed it a lot better than they did on Sunday.
"The commitment was there, the effort was good, Gerrard was good, Torres got a goal, so any doom and gloom of Sunday has gone and they can look forward to the Villa game next Monday night."
The new boy made a huge impression on his home debut against Stoke on Wednesday, scoring one and setting up another.
Hansen was impressed with Johnson's all round play, and thinks his attributes will help transform Liverpool into an even more potent force in 2009-10.
"Liverpool have had some problems in the wide areas, full-backs and wide players, and they needed someone to get past that plain old defender," said the 54-year-old.
"Johnson has got the pace and trickery, and on Wednesday he had a fantastic game, he obviously got the goal as well. He also won the penalty kick on Sunday.
"We've still to see and judge him defensively, but we saw him at Portsmouth on many occasions. He can make the difference, especially down the right side."
The former Reds skipper was also pleased with the overall performance against Tony Pulis's men - and is still tipping Liverpool for the title.
"It was a positive reaction," said Hansen. "They were very effective, they passed it a lot better than they did on Sunday.
"The commitment was there, the effort was good, Gerrard was good, Torres got a goal, so any doom and gloom of Sunday has gone and they can look forward to the Villa game next Monday night."
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
'Pool agree deal for Kyrgiakos
| Liverpool today agreed a deal with AEK Athens for centre-back Sotirios Kyrgiakos, subject to a medical. | |
| The 30-year-old Greek international will arrive at Melwood for a medical examination before the weekend. Rafa Benitez told Liverpoolfc.tv: "We have nearly done the deal subject to a medical. He is a player with experience who can hopefully help us in defence. "He has experience in British football and Rangers. After that with Frankfurt and the national team. He's a good player in the air, strong and aggressive. We were looking for a player with experience. "He will have the medical this week, it has to be before the weekend." On how the signing would impact on young centre-backs such as Martin Kelly and Daniel Ayala, Benitez added: "The young players know they need experience and so to learn alongside people with this experience is better." | |
Liverpool 4-0 Stoke
Glen Johnson marked his home debut with a goal and a man of the match award as Liverpool secured their first victory of the season with a 4-0 win over Stoke City at Anfield.
The England full-back reacted quickest on the stroke of half-time to fire Dirk Kuyt's blocked header over the line with a finely executed volley.
Fernando Torres had earlier put the Reds into the lead with a cool finish after only four minutes following fine work by Steven Gerrard.
The captain was heavily involved in Liverpool's third as a majestic turn allowed him to set up a 78th minute tap in for Dirk Kuyt, before David Ngog headed home late on to cap a fine night's work for the home side.
Rafa Benitez was forced into a defensive reshuffle before the game with Martin Skrtel sidelined by the injury he picked up against Tottenham Hotspur. Youngster Daniel Ayala was drafted into the centre of defence to partner Jamie Carragher and make his first ever start for the Liverpool first team.
The Reds were visibly keen to return to winning ways following the defeat at White Hart Lane, and they made a positive start to the game, with Lucas forcing a save from Thomas Sorensen thanks to a low drive from the edge of the area.
The early pressure paid dividends after just four minutes when Gerrard's surge into the right channel of the penalty area saw the skipper deliver a teasing pull-back into the centre, where the lurking Torres turned the ball into the back of the net from 10 yards.
A dream start for Benitez's charges, and it almost got even better in the 21st minute when Gerrard released Torres into the right channel on a lightening quick counter-attack from a Stoke free-kick.
The Spaniard's dangerous cross was flicked on by Kuyt and found its way to the unmarked Emiliano Insua at the back stick, but the defender pushed the ball wide of the post.
He went close again when compatriot Javier Mascherano's superb long-ball picked out the run of the Reds' No.22, but his cross-turned-shot was blocked by Sorensen, before Glen Johnson stabbed wide from the edge of the box moments later.
Torres was forced to leave the field on 37 minutes after sustaining a wound to the head following an aerial challenge with Stoke centre-back Ryan Shawcross and, just as Carragher had done against Spurs, El Nino returned to the action having required stitches to the injury.
The striker was straight back into the thick of the things though, and only the boot of Shawcross prevented his run and shot from testing Sorensen - but the Reds did not have to wait long to double their advantage.
After the resulting corner was cleared for a second flag-kick, Gerrard's centre picked out Kuyt, whose powerful downward header was blocked on the line.
However, Johnson was on hand to spectacularly volley the loose ball into the net and mark his league debut for Liverpool at Anfield with a goal.
Stoke made a bright start to the second period and Rory Delap's powerful strike from the edge of the area was expertly palmed around the post by Pepe Reina at full stretch. Then, a brilliant last ditch clearance by Johnson prevented Richard Cresswell from turning the ball over the line as the Potters continue to press.
But the home side soon regained control and should have furthered their lead on 54 minutes. Sorensen could only parry Gerrard's long-range strike into the path of Kuyt. With the goal at his mercy, the Dutchman unfortunately could not adjust his body quickly enough to direct the ball into the empty net.
Liverpool were enjoying their football and Kuyt's driven cross narrowly evaded Torres in the centre before the Reds' No.9 brought a save out of the visitors' stopper with a clipped effort.
Sorensen then thwarted Johnson after the full-back struck a left-footed shot goalwards following another trademark surge forward - the former Portsmouth man was clearly relishing his Anfield bow.
The Potters' custodian again had to be alert soon after to tip over as Shawcross inadvertently directed Gerrard's cross toward his own goal.
The moment of the match arrived with 12 minutes left on the Anfield scoreboard as Gerrard produced a simply sublime piece of skill to set up Kuyt for Liverpool's third of the evening.
Latching on to Mascherano's ball over the top, the skipper superbly spun beyond Matthew Etherington before squaring across the face of goal for Kuyt to tap home.
Substitute Ngog headed a late fourth in stoppage-time after Johnson's cross was turned into his path by Sorensen.
It was a fitting end to an excellent night's work for the Reds.
The England full-back reacted quickest on the stroke of half-time to fire Dirk Kuyt's blocked header over the line with a finely executed volley.
Fernando Torres had earlier put the Reds into the lead with a cool finish after only four minutes following fine work by Steven Gerrard.
The captain was heavily involved in Liverpool's third as a majestic turn allowed him to set up a 78th minute tap in for Dirk Kuyt, before David Ngog headed home late on to cap a fine night's work for the home side.
Rafa Benitez was forced into a defensive reshuffle before the game with Martin Skrtel sidelined by the injury he picked up against Tottenham Hotspur. Youngster Daniel Ayala was drafted into the centre of defence to partner Jamie Carragher and make his first ever start for the Liverpool first team.
The Reds were visibly keen to return to winning ways following the defeat at White Hart Lane, and they made a positive start to the game, with Lucas forcing a save from Thomas Sorensen thanks to a low drive from the edge of the area.
The early pressure paid dividends after just four minutes when Gerrard's surge into the right channel of the penalty area saw the skipper deliver a teasing pull-back into the centre, where the lurking Torres turned the ball into the back of the net from 10 yards.
A dream start for Benitez's charges, and it almost got even better in the 21st minute when Gerrard released Torres into the right channel on a lightening quick counter-attack from a Stoke free-kick.
The Spaniard's dangerous cross was flicked on by Kuyt and found its way to the unmarked Emiliano Insua at the back stick, but the defender pushed the ball wide of the post.
He went close again when compatriot Javier Mascherano's superb long-ball picked out the run of the Reds' No.22, but his cross-turned-shot was blocked by Sorensen, before Glen Johnson stabbed wide from the edge of the box moments later.
Torres was forced to leave the field on 37 minutes after sustaining a wound to the head following an aerial challenge with Stoke centre-back Ryan Shawcross and, just as Carragher had done against Spurs, El Nino returned to the action having required stitches to the injury.
The striker was straight back into the thick of the things though, and only the boot of Shawcross prevented his run and shot from testing Sorensen - but the Reds did not have to wait long to double their advantage.
After the resulting corner was cleared for a second flag-kick, Gerrard's centre picked out Kuyt, whose powerful downward header was blocked on the line.
However, Johnson was on hand to spectacularly volley the loose ball into the net and mark his league debut for Liverpool at Anfield with a goal.
Stoke made a bright start to the second period and Rory Delap's powerful strike from the edge of the area was expertly palmed around the post by Pepe Reina at full stretch. Then, a brilliant last ditch clearance by Johnson prevented Richard Cresswell from turning the ball over the line as the Potters continue to press.
But the home side soon regained control and should have furthered their lead on 54 minutes. Sorensen could only parry Gerrard's long-range strike into the path of Kuyt. With the goal at his mercy, the Dutchman unfortunately could not adjust his body quickly enough to direct the ball into the empty net.
Liverpool were enjoying their football and Kuyt's driven cross narrowly evaded Torres in the centre before the Reds' No.9 brought a save out of the visitors' stopper with a clipped effort.
Sorensen then thwarted Johnson after the full-back struck a left-footed shot goalwards following another trademark surge forward - the former Portsmouth man was clearly relishing his Anfield bow.
The Potters' custodian again had to be alert soon after to tip over as Shawcross inadvertently directed Gerrard's cross toward his own goal.
The moment of the match arrived with 12 minutes left on the Anfield scoreboard as Gerrard produced a simply sublime piece of skill to set up Kuyt for Liverpool's third of the evening.
Latching on to Mascherano's ball over the top, the skipper superbly spun beyond Matthew Etherington before squaring across the face of goal for Kuyt to tap home.
Substitute Ngog headed a late fourth in stoppage-time after Johnson's cross was turned into his path by Sorensen.
It was a fitting end to an excellent night's work for the Reds.
Benitez: "It's time to be Ruthless."
| Rafael Benitez believes Liverpool must be more ruthless in front of goal if they are to banish their Stoke City hoodoo at Anfield tonight. | |
| The Reds failed to hit the back of the net in both meetings with the Potters last season despite dominating for long periods. It is a statistic the Spaniard is eager to condemn to the record books as he looks for his team to give the perfect response following Sunday's opening day defeat at Spurs. "It was only the first game of the season and there are still lots of games to play," said Benitez. "We have to be calm and do our job. "We know the Stoke game will be tough and difficult, but we have to create our chances and take them. These kind of games can change with one opportunity if you score. "We know we have to play better and will be in front of our fans, and they know the only way we can improve is by helping to support the team. "We want to create the chances we did against Stoke last year and this time take them. To create 20 chances in a game has to be enough." | |
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Muine Bheag Kopite news. As always feedback is appreciated and if anybody has any suggestions for the site please be sure to e-mail us at info@muinebheagkopites.ie .
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This site will now be a place for all the latest Liverpool Fc news and
Muine Bheag Kopite news. As always feedback is appreciated and if anybody has any suggestions for the site please be sure to e-mail us at info@muinebheagkopites.ie .
Regards,
Keith Thompson
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