RAFA BENITEZ today called for Liverpool’s supporters to pump up the volume as his side bid to make a Champions League statement.
Though the Reds have been off-colour for most of the season, a victory over Tottenham at Anfield would enable them to creep within a point of the top four.
If they are to do that, however, another show of strength will be required, as Benitez again finds himself deprived of star men Fernando Torres, Steven Gerrard and Yossi Benayoun due to injury.
But Liverpool were able to make light of those absences at Stoke thanks to the constant, noisy backing they received and Benitez hopes it will be a similar case tonight.
Anfield’s inspirational qualities are well known but there have been times this season when the weight of expectancy has been suffocating, which is why Benitez has urged his players to give those fans something to shout about.
“You can understand why the ground has been quiet at times,” said Benitez, whose side have only won two of their last five home Premier League fixtures. “We have not been playing at the level we were before, the expectations have been high and the fans have been waiting for something.
“We cannot blame the fans if they don’t push from the first minute if we have not been giving (good football) to them. But we will try to do our best. Our fans know we will be working hard but it has to be players and fans together. It can be no other way.
“It’s a crucial game and it’s important for us to show everyone we are desperate to improve. I’m sure they will be behind us, they were fantastic at Stoke.
“We have been talking about this – myself, Sammy (Lee) and (Mauricio) Pellegrino. It’s important to show the fans how hungry we are to win. The players have to show the character that the fans appreciate.”
Having described this contest as potentially being “make or break” for Liverpool’s ambitions of getting back into the top four, Benitez must decide whether to attack from the first whistle or be a little more conservative.
He is considering giving Maxi Rodriguez a first start, while he also has the option of restoring the fit again Albert Riera and Alberto Aquilani to his midfield.
Whatever he decides, the manager – who revealed Ryan Babel has apologised for his latest rant – is desperate to see Liverpool claim three points to really put some momentum into their season.
“I’m very pleased because the players have been showing a good mentality,” he said. “I’m pleased we showed good character and the main thing now is to get more confidence by winning games.”
“We know we didn’t play fantastic at Stoke and we are trying all the time. Everyone here knows that (the fate of the season) depends on us. If we can beat Tottenham, we will be a little bit happier and the race for fourth place will maybe be a little easier.”
No comments:
Post a Comment