FERNANDO TORRES has given his full backing to beleaguered Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez as he called for a show of unity from everyone at the club.
Benitez has come under increasing pressure following a disappointing season that reached a new low in midweek with elimination from the Champions League before the group stage has even finished.
Liverpool’s managing director Christian Purslow was swift to dismiss the notion the Spaniard’s job was in danger despite the club struggling to meet expectations in the Premier League, standing five points off a top four place.
And now Torres, who is hopeful of returning to fitness in time for Sunday’s Merseyside derby at Everton, reckons Liverpool should “stick together” and get behind Benitez.
“Benitez has shown that he is the right man to take Liverpool forward,” Torres said. “When the club has needed to be strong it always has been.
“Now is the time for everybody to stick together, from the manager right down to lowliest member of staff, because above all else we want to make our wonderful fans happy with our performances and results.
“We must be united to finish as high as possible in the Premier League. I am convinced that we will end up in the top four. We also have high hopes for the FA Cup and the Europa League. At this time, this tournament has become a goal for the club.”
Of Liverpool’s Champions League exit, Torres added: “Nobody expected it because this team has shown itself over recent seasons to be very reliable.
“This is a competition that we won in 2005 and on another occasion (2007) we got to the final. Since I have been with the club we have got to a semi-final and a quarter-final.”
Meanwhile, Benitez insists his side are “better than their results” and claims he does not feel any added pressure following their Champions League exit.
He said: “We have not been able to go through to the last 16 of the Champions League, so we must make sure we double our efforts in the league and always do our very best in future matches.
“Then the confidence of the team will be much better, we will be able to approach league matches in a better frame of mind.”
Chief executive Christian Purslow again backed Benitez to improve the club’s fortunes this week – they have won just two of their last 11 games to fall well behind in the Premier League title race – and the former Valencia chief is adamant he does not fear the sack.
He added: “I do not feel under any greater pressure, Liverpool are under pressure in every single game, anyway, whatever the competition. This is nothing new for me.
“My aim is just to help the players, working and preparing the team.
“The players know we are better than our results suggest, they can see that we could have won in every game even if not playing well.
“We have played better than many of our opponents in this run, we have had plenty of opportunities to score. They know the situation.
“We have ideas, we have solutions to problems, and plans for matches. The players know we have been a lot better than people are saying.”
He continued: “We need a winning mentality to return, but we have not planned any differently for matches, just the same organisation.
“Things are still positive, we have players coming back from injuries. We have been positive in recent league games against Birmingham and Manchester City, things have been improving.”
Benitez’s hand has been severely weakened by injuries to star duo Torres and Steven Gerrard as well as a number of other first XI regulars.
Gerrard is now back, along with Glen Johnson, Fabio Aurelio and Yossi Benayoun, but Torres is unlikely to be ready for the short trip across Stanley Park.
“Steven Gerrard has started to play 90 minutes again, so there are a lot of things that give us confidence that we are improving,” said Benitez.
“Some players are fitter now. So we can manage the team and matches in a different way.
“If you do not have a strong bench, it is difficult to change games.
“Now with more options it can be easier for us in such circumstances.”
Meanwhile, Dean Bouzanis yesterday joined Accrington Stanley on loan until the New Year.
The 19-year-old goalkeeper has agreed a deal that will run until January 2. Bouzanis arrived at Anfield in the summer of 2007 from the New South Wales Institute of Sport and has figured for John McMahon’s reserves this season.
Friday, November 27, 2009
Steven Gerrard issues Liverpool FC derby match rallying cry
STEVEN GERRARD today issued a pre-derby rallying cry and insisted Liverpool’s squad will stay united to turn their season around.
Few people have felt the frustration of the Reds early exit from the Champions League more than Gerrard, who is acutely aware certain critics perceive them as a club in crisis.
The captain, however, has made it emphatically clear nothing could be further from the truth and says the group Rafa Benitez will take to Goodison Park on Sunday are all pulling in the same direction.
What’s more, Gerrard believes the experiences of the last two months have only served to make Liverpool stronger and he is hoping there will be an emphatic response to recent disappointments when they tackle Everton.
“We’re all aware the season isn’t going the way we would want it to and we’re really disappointed to have gone out of the Champions League,” said Gerrard.
“We’re far from happy with our form in the Premier League as well but the only way to turn things around is by sticking together.
“We’ve shown in the past what we can achieve when we do that and if there’s one positive about the difficult time we’ve been having, it’s that we’ve all pulled together.
“The manager, the staff and the players are all working as hard as we can to try and get the improvement we’ve been looking for.“It won’t be easy, as we’ve given ourselves plenty to do, but we still have the confidence and belief that we can finish in the top four.”
Having spent most of the autumn battling a groin problem, Gerrard is in better shape after games against Manchester City and Debrecen and Liverpool will give Fernando Torres every chance of joining him in the starting line-up at Goodison.
Once Torres is back to full fitness, Liverpool will be a different side but whoever Benitez selects for duty this weekend, Gerrard says they are indebted to give a five-star display.
“Getting some of our injured players back playing regularly will make a big difference and give everyone a boost – the key now is to keep working together,” Gerrard said
“We owe it to the club, ourselves and most importantly to our fans, as their support has been magnificent at time when things haven’t gone as well as we’d all like.”
Benitez, meanwhile, thinks the 1-0 victory in Budapest on Tuesday could be just the result required to kick their campaign back into life.
“All the players know that we can do better in the Premier League but so far the table does not show a good situation.
“We have got to change the position and it was important on Tuesday we remembered what it was like to win again. It was good for our confidence but we need to continue.”
Few people have felt the frustration of the Reds early exit from the Champions League more than Gerrard, who is acutely aware certain critics perceive them as a club in crisis.
The captain, however, has made it emphatically clear nothing could be further from the truth and says the group Rafa Benitez will take to Goodison Park on Sunday are all pulling in the same direction.
What’s more, Gerrard believes the experiences of the last two months have only served to make Liverpool stronger and he is hoping there will be an emphatic response to recent disappointments when they tackle Everton.
“We’re all aware the season isn’t going the way we would want it to and we’re really disappointed to have gone out of the Champions League,” said Gerrard.
“We’re far from happy with our form in the Premier League as well but the only way to turn things around is by sticking together.
“We’ve shown in the past what we can achieve when we do that and if there’s one positive about the difficult time we’ve been having, it’s that we’ve all pulled together.
“The manager, the staff and the players are all working as hard as we can to try and get the improvement we’ve been looking for.“It won’t be easy, as we’ve given ourselves plenty to do, but we still have the confidence and belief that we can finish in the top four.”
Having spent most of the autumn battling a groin problem, Gerrard is in better shape after games against Manchester City and Debrecen and Liverpool will give Fernando Torres every chance of joining him in the starting line-up at Goodison.
Once Torres is back to full fitness, Liverpool will be a different side but whoever Benitez selects for duty this weekend, Gerrard says they are indebted to give a five-star display.
“Getting some of our injured players back playing regularly will make a big difference and give everyone a boost – the key now is to keep working together,” Gerrard said
“We owe it to the club, ourselves and most importantly to our fans, as their support has been magnificent at time when things haven’t gone as well as we’d all like.”
Benitez, meanwhile, thinks the 1-0 victory in Budapest on Tuesday could be just the result required to kick their campaign back into life.
“All the players know that we can do better in the Premier League but so far the table does not show a good situation.
“We have got to change the position and it was important on Tuesday we remembered what it was like to win again. It was good for our confidence but we need to continue.”
Gary McAllister's praise for his friend and Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard
THE scene was familiar: two men, stood on the touchline before an important Liverpool game, speaking animatedly about what the night might hold in store.
On one side, was the master, passing on his wisdom, offering reassurance and giving pointers whenever possible; on the other was the apprentice, listening intently and hanging off every word.
Gary McAllister and Steven Gerrard may have ceased to be team-mates in the summer of 2002 but, to see them interacting in Budapest’s Ferenc Puskas Stadium, it was just like old times on Tuesday evening.
Gerrard has never made any secret of the esteem in which he holds McAllister, a man whose class, guile and goalscoring ability made him an Anfield legend, and during the early part of his career, would frequently pick the Scot’s brains.
On away trips, the only seat Gerrard wanted on the team coach was the one next to McAllister and such habits clearly die hard, judging by the way the skipper made a beeline for his great friend before the Champions League clash with Debrecen.
Respect in this relationship, however, is mutual; McAllister has charted Gerrard’s progress from promising novice to midfield thoroughbred with great pride but had to do a double take when one statistic was put to him this week.
When he strides out at Goodison Park on Sunday, Gerrard will represent Liverpool for the 499th time, an achievement which – in a day and age when players swap clubs at a dizzying pace – his mentor stresses should not be taken lightly.
“It’s a great testament to him,” said McAllister. “When I look at players like Stevie and Carra, as well as Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes at Manchester United, you can’t help but have the greatest respect.
“When you play for Liverpool, every game you are expected to produce your very best in must win games and the pressure is always on you. So it’s a fantastic achievement to get to that record, particularly with him and Carra both being local lads.
“It was clear to see he had talent from word go. I’ve watched him develop and he just keeps getting better; his decision making is getting better and he is still improving.
“That comes from playing important games in the Champions League and Premier League and being a leading player for England. Gerard Houllier started him off on the right so he could learn his trade away from the hurly-burly in the middle.
“But it was pretty clear his best position was always going to be in the centre. Of course he could still be effective on the right as he is in his position behind Torres but, first and foremost, he’s just an outstanding midfielder.”
Thanks in no small part to McAllister. Though he may play down the influence he had on Gerrard, there is no disputing his words and actions left an indelible mark on the England international.
“Steven just used to talk about football,” he recalled. “There were never any heart-to-hearts or think tanks, it was all just general stuff really. From my point of view, it was just as interesting listening to him talk about the players he rated and admired.
“He liked to tackle and that was with him from when he was a young boy. He trained the way he played, which was totally committed. Yes, there were a few risky tackles but it wasn’t anything malicious, it was just general competitiveness.
“But he did a make a decision that he could not keep getting involved in them. Apart from anything else, he didn’t want to be in a position where he might have hurt himself and that’s come with experience.”
Which brings us neatly back to McAllister. Experience is something Houllier wanted in the summer of 2000 but few could have predicted his Bosman signing from Leeds United would have turned out to be such a huge success.
Playing a key role as Liverpool chased a Cup treble the following spring, McAllister’s goals were crucial in wins at Bradford, Coventry and in the UEFA Cup semi-final against Barcelona, while he was named Man-of-the-Match in the Dortmund final against Alaves.
Yet ask any Liverpudlian for their best McAllister memory and, inevitably, every answer will be the same – a 40-yard free-kick, injury-time winner against Everton in April 2001, which breathed fresh life into the 2000/01 campaign, is unsurpassable.
McAllister, not surprisingly, smiles warmly at the memory and he hopes the feelings which that strike invoked will be similar on Sunday, as Rafa Benitez’s side look to put their Champions League misery behind them in style.
It has been an exceptionally difficult autumn, one that has tested the patience of even the most fair-minded supporter, but McAllister is convinced a win on enemy territory, coupled with the return of key personnel, will see normal service resume.
“I used to watch derby matches from afar and when I signed, it was the first game I immediately looked for, as I’d heard so much about it,” said McAllister. “It was special to be involved and that game at Goodison (on Easter Monday 2001) was quite interesting!
“I scored a couple of goals at the end of that season but purely because of the stature of the fixture, that was the most special. I’ll never forget running to the supporters and seeing the looks of almost disbelief on their faces. It was the same when I turned to the bench.
“It was some feeling. It’s going to be a tough game but it’s probably the perfect one to have after the disappointment on Tuesday. Rafa won’t have to motivate the lads, they know how important it is.
“They’re a long way behind Chelsea but, at the minute, all they can do is look to peg back the teams immediately ahead of them. There’s a long way to go. Liverpool have got a very good team when everyone is fit and I’m sure they will be fine.”
On one side, was the master, passing on his wisdom, offering reassurance and giving pointers whenever possible; on the other was the apprentice, listening intently and hanging off every word.
Gary McAllister and Steven Gerrard may have ceased to be team-mates in the summer of 2002 but, to see them interacting in Budapest’s Ferenc Puskas Stadium, it was just like old times on Tuesday evening.
Gerrard has never made any secret of the esteem in which he holds McAllister, a man whose class, guile and goalscoring ability made him an Anfield legend, and during the early part of his career, would frequently pick the Scot’s brains.
On away trips, the only seat Gerrard wanted on the team coach was the one next to McAllister and such habits clearly die hard, judging by the way the skipper made a beeline for his great friend before the Champions League clash with Debrecen.
Respect in this relationship, however, is mutual; McAllister has charted Gerrard’s progress from promising novice to midfield thoroughbred with great pride but had to do a double take when one statistic was put to him this week.
When he strides out at Goodison Park on Sunday, Gerrard will represent Liverpool for the 499th time, an achievement which – in a day and age when players swap clubs at a dizzying pace – his mentor stresses should not be taken lightly.
“It’s a great testament to him,” said McAllister. “When I look at players like Stevie and Carra, as well as Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes at Manchester United, you can’t help but have the greatest respect.
“When you play for Liverpool, every game you are expected to produce your very best in must win games and the pressure is always on you. So it’s a fantastic achievement to get to that record, particularly with him and Carra both being local lads.
“It was clear to see he had talent from word go. I’ve watched him develop and he just keeps getting better; his decision making is getting better and he is still improving.
“That comes from playing important games in the Champions League and Premier League and being a leading player for England. Gerard Houllier started him off on the right so he could learn his trade away from the hurly-burly in the middle.
“But it was pretty clear his best position was always going to be in the centre. Of course he could still be effective on the right as he is in his position behind Torres but, first and foremost, he’s just an outstanding midfielder.”
Thanks in no small part to McAllister. Though he may play down the influence he had on Gerrard, there is no disputing his words and actions left an indelible mark on the England international.
“Steven just used to talk about football,” he recalled. “There were never any heart-to-hearts or think tanks, it was all just general stuff really. From my point of view, it was just as interesting listening to him talk about the players he rated and admired.
“He liked to tackle and that was with him from when he was a young boy. He trained the way he played, which was totally committed. Yes, there were a few risky tackles but it wasn’t anything malicious, it was just general competitiveness.
“But he did a make a decision that he could not keep getting involved in them. Apart from anything else, he didn’t want to be in a position where he might have hurt himself and that’s come with experience.”
Which brings us neatly back to McAllister. Experience is something Houllier wanted in the summer of 2000 but few could have predicted his Bosman signing from Leeds United would have turned out to be such a huge success.
Playing a key role as Liverpool chased a Cup treble the following spring, McAllister’s goals were crucial in wins at Bradford, Coventry and in the UEFA Cup semi-final against Barcelona, while he was named Man-of-the-Match in the Dortmund final against Alaves.
Yet ask any Liverpudlian for their best McAllister memory and, inevitably, every answer will be the same – a 40-yard free-kick, injury-time winner against Everton in April 2001, which breathed fresh life into the 2000/01 campaign, is unsurpassable.
McAllister, not surprisingly, smiles warmly at the memory and he hopes the feelings which that strike invoked will be similar on Sunday, as Rafa Benitez’s side look to put their Champions League misery behind them in style.
It has been an exceptionally difficult autumn, one that has tested the patience of even the most fair-minded supporter, but McAllister is convinced a win on enemy territory, coupled with the return of key personnel, will see normal service resume.
“I used to watch derby matches from afar and when I signed, it was the first game I immediately looked for, as I’d heard so much about it,” said McAllister. “It was special to be involved and that game at Goodison (on Easter Monday 2001) was quite interesting!
“I scored a couple of goals at the end of that season but purely because of the stature of the fixture, that was the most special. I’ll never forget running to the supporters and seeing the looks of almost disbelief on their faces. It was the same when I turned to the bench.
“It was some feeling. It’s going to be a tough game but it’s probably the perfect one to have after the disappointment on Tuesday. Rafa won’t have to motivate the lads, they know how important it is.
“They’re a long way behind Chelsea but, at the minute, all they can do is look to peg back the teams immediately ahead of them. There’s a long way to go. Liverpool have got a very good team when everyone is fit and I’m sure they will be fine.”
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Christian Purslow dismisses talk of Anfield manager being sacked - Liverpool FC latest
CHRISTIAN PURSLOW has dismissed any notion Rafael Benitez’s job as Liverpool manager is in danger despite his team’s Champions League exit last night.
A 1-0 win in Hungary against Debrecen wasn’t enough as Fiorentina’s victory over Lyon by the same scoreline means Liverpool cannot now qualify from Group E.
The Anfield outfit will instead drop down to the Europa League for the first time under Benitez’s reign, the latest setback of a disappointing campaign with Liverpool already out of the Carling Cup and five points off the top four.
But Liverpool managing director Purslow said: “The fact we are out has no bearing on Rafa whatsoever.
“He signed A new five-year deal four months ago and in those terms he is four months into a five-year journey and you don’t deviate from long-term plans and the way to take the club to the next level because of two late goals against Lyon, and that’s what it boils down to.”
Purslow also allayed fears the elimination will have a major impact on the club’s finances.
Liverpool budget for progress to the first knockout stage of the Champions League, and the anticipated shortfall of £2.4million, would be covered by a run in the Europa League.
“We budget for a level of performance that maybe fans would not like to be at, it’s prudent,” said Purslow. “If we have three home games in the Europa League, we are equivalent to what we budget for in the Champions League.
“We’re very disappointed we are out, but we could have played one home leg, one away leg and been out.
“I like to think we’ll be taking 40 or 50,000 to Hamburg in May and if we get halfway to doing that we will make more money than we would do from one round in the Champions League.
“It’s a missed opportunity financially but it has no effect on budgeted performance, and that’s the key thing. If you budget prudently then you don’t get negative surprises if football doesn’t go the right way.”
A 1-0 win in Hungary against Debrecen wasn’t enough as Fiorentina’s victory over Lyon by the same scoreline means Liverpool cannot now qualify from Group E.
The Anfield outfit will instead drop down to the Europa League for the first time under Benitez’s reign, the latest setback of a disappointing campaign with Liverpool already out of the Carling Cup and five points off the top four.
But Liverpool managing director Purslow said: “The fact we are out has no bearing on Rafa whatsoever.
“He signed A new five-year deal four months ago and in those terms he is four months into a five-year journey and you don’t deviate from long-term plans and the way to take the club to the next level because of two late goals against Lyon, and that’s what it boils down to.”
Purslow also allayed fears the elimination will have a major impact on the club’s finances.
Liverpool budget for progress to the first knockout stage of the Champions League, and the anticipated shortfall of £2.4million, would be covered by a run in the Europa League.
“We budget for a level of performance that maybe fans would not like to be at, it’s prudent,” said Purslow. “If we have three home games in the Europa League, we are equivalent to what we budget for in the Champions League.
“We’re very disappointed we are out, but we could have played one home leg, one away leg and been out.
“I like to think we’ll be taking 40 or 50,000 to Hamburg in May and if we get halfway to doing that we will make more money than we would do from one round in the Champions League.
“It’s a missed opportunity financially but it has no effect on budgeted performance, and that’s the key thing. If you budget prudently then you don’t get negative surprises if football doesn’t go the right way.”
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Yossi Benayoun praises radical doctor as Liverpool FC look for miracle cure to European qualification problem
LIVERPOOL will seek a miracle cure for their Champions League campaign this evening – as Yossi Benayoun praised the radical doctor that has given him the chance of helping the Anfield cause.
Rafael Benitez’s side take on Hungarian champions Debrecen in the 69,000-capacity Ferenc Puskas Stadium with their European challenge on a knife edge.
Liverpool must beat the Group E whipping boys and pray Lyon do them a favour in Italy against Fiorentina.
While Glen Johnson is expected to be available after missing the weekend draw with Manchester City because of a calf problem, Fernando Torres, Ryan Babel and Albert Riera are all absent.
But Benayoun was among the party that yesterday flew to Budapest after a remarkable recovery from the hamstring tear he suffered against Birmingham City earlier this month.
The Israeli was expected to be sidelined for up to five weeks but was fit enough to score Liverpool’s equaliser as a substitute on Saturday after visiting radical therapist Mariana Kovacevic.
And the midfielder has revealed the Belgrade doctor – who also treated Johnson, Riera and Fabio Aurelio last week – used the placenta of a woman and not a horse to help cure his ailment.
“I have seen so many stories about the treatment on my hamstring, but, for me, there were never any worries,” said Benayoun.
“There were no animal parts used and no injections.
“The doctor has treated a lot of players and seems to be held in very high regard.
“She explained everything to me beforehand and told me she would be using fluid from a placenta that had come from a woman.
“Nothing went into the muscle itself. It was just a case of massaging the liquid on to the skin around the affected area and letting it get to work.
“It meant I was able to play again and help the team within a fortnight of suffering the injury.
“When I felt the hamstring go, against Birmingham, and signalled to the bench that I couldn’t carry on, I never envisaged being back on the pitch so soon. I have to be happy with that, and it shows what can be done with this treatment.”
Benayoun will now compete with Aurelio for a starting role this evening as Liverpool aim to conjure another Champions League escape act.
“It was clear I was not ready to start against Manchester City, and it was unfortunate I had to go on so early, after those injuries to Daniel Agger and Ryan Babel,” said Benayoun, a 19th-minute substitute at the weekend.
“If I can play a part in Hungary, great. It is always a good feeling when your coach wants you in the team, and I desperately want to
contribute anything I can to try and help us qualify from the group. But I can’t see myself playing the full 90 minutes. I don’t believe that is a realistic aim after missing so much training. Everyone in the squad knows my condition and how I’m still trying to get my fitness back, but I will do the best I can.
“This is an important phase for the team and, of course, the manager. We have had one or two disappointments since the start of the season, but he has proved his worth many times over the years, and I don’t believe he is about to leave.
“We just need a bit of luck, with injuries off the field and the bounce of the ball on it, and everything will change for us.”
TONIGHT’S officials are from Holland, with Bjorn Kuipers the referee.
Rafael Benitez’s side take on Hungarian champions Debrecen in the 69,000-capacity Ferenc Puskas Stadium with their European challenge on a knife edge.
Liverpool must beat the Group E whipping boys and pray Lyon do them a favour in Italy against Fiorentina.
While Glen Johnson is expected to be available after missing the weekend draw with Manchester City because of a calf problem, Fernando Torres, Ryan Babel and Albert Riera are all absent.
But Benayoun was among the party that yesterday flew to Budapest after a remarkable recovery from the hamstring tear he suffered against Birmingham City earlier this month.
The Israeli was expected to be sidelined for up to five weeks but was fit enough to score Liverpool’s equaliser as a substitute on Saturday after visiting radical therapist Mariana Kovacevic.
And the midfielder has revealed the Belgrade doctor – who also treated Johnson, Riera and Fabio Aurelio last week – used the placenta of a woman and not a horse to help cure his ailment.
“I have seen so many stories about the treatment on my hamstring, but, for me, there were never any worries,” said Benayoun.
“There were no animal parts used and no injections.
“The doctor has treated a lot of players and seems to be held in very high regard.
“She explained everything to me beforehand and told me she would be using fluid from a placenta that had come from a woman.
“Nothing went into the muscle itself. It was just a case of massaging the liquid on to the skin around the affected area and letting it get to work.
“It meant I was able to play again and help the team within a fortnight of suffering the injury.
“When I felt the hamstring go, against Birmingham, and signalled to the bench that I couldn’t carry on, I never envisaged being back on the pitch so soon. I have to be happy with that, and it shows what can be done with this treatment.”
Benayoun will now compete with Aurelio for a starting role this evening as Liverpool aim to conjure another Champions League escape act.
“It was clear I was not ready to start against Manchester City, and it was unfortunate I had to go on so early, after those injuries to Daniel Agger and Ryan Babel,” said Benayoun, a 19th-minute substitute at the weekend.
“If I can play a part in Hungary, great. It is always a good feeling when your coach wants you in the team, and I desperately want to
contribute anything I can to try and help us qualify from the group. But I can’t see myself playing the full 90 minutes. I don’t believe that is a realistic aim after missing so much training. Everyone in the squad knows my condition and how I’m still trying to get my fitness back, but I will do the best I can.
“This is an important phase for the team and, of course, the manager. We have had one or two disappointments since the start of the season, but he has proved his worth many times over the years, and I don’t believe he is about to leave.
“We just need a bit of luck, with injuries off the field and the bounce of the ball on it, and everything will change for us.”
TONIGHT’S officials are from Holland, with Bjorn Kuipers the referee.
Champions League progress now would be up with past heroics, insists Liverpool FC manager Rafael Benitez
RAFAEL BENITEZ admits Liverpool will equal any of their previous Champions League group heroics if they pull off another great escape this season.
The Anfield outfit take on Hungarian champions Debrecen this evening aiming to avoid failing to reach the knockout stages of the competition for the first time under the Spaniard.
Liverpool must win in Budapest and hope an already-qualified Lyon gain a result in Italy against Fiorentina in Group E’s other fixture.
Benitez’s side won their last three games in 2007-08 to progress while they beat Olympiakos by two clear goals in their decider in 2004-05 before going on to win the trophy.
And with Liverpool five points behind second-placed Fiorentina, Benitez accepts it will take something special for his team to extend their Champions League campaign.
“It will be difficult to get through,” said the Anfield manager. “I have said before that it will be a miracle if we do, but it depends on the other teams and if we do our job. We have to win and see what happens in the other games.
“If we can play against Fiorentina with a chance to get through then it would be fantastic.
“The last time we qualified in this manner was amazing so if we can do it now it will also be amazing. It will be at the same level.”
If Liverpool and Lyon draw, then Benitez’s side must beat Fiorentina by three clear goals at home in a fortnight to progress.
Should both Liverpool and Lyon both win, a victory of any sort against Fiorentina would be enough, while any other combination of results would see the Anfield outfit eliminated.
Benitez has dismissed fears of any French conspiracy, and added: “I think Lyon have an incentive to finish top. If you can be qualified first maybe it can be and advantage but it can also help the confidence of the team. Fiorentina are strong at home but Lyon have quality and play well on the counter-attack, so we will see. I’m sure Lyon will try to win, they will be professional. The coach will try to win, because it will give him and the team confidence.
And Jamie Carragher said: “The hardest thing is our destiny isn’t in our own hands. When we have been in situations like this before, we have been able to sort it out ourselves.
“We have the belief we can do special things. We have done it with this team and manager over the last four or five years but it has been part of club for a long time. We have left ourselves a little bit of a hole and hopefully we can get out of it.”
The Anfield budget anticipates qualification to the knockout stages of the Champions League, and it is expected elimination would mean a £2.4million shortfall that could be recouped with progress in the Europa League.
A draw tonight would at least secure a berth in Europe’s secondary competition, and although Liverpool have kept only one clean sheet in 10 away games this season, Debrecen have leaked more goals – 12 – than anyone else in the group stage.
“It won’t be easy,” said Benitez. “They will try to impress and do well and try to win. There are no easy games in Europe, we will have to concentrate on our game. We know they can score goals, but they have conceded a lot too.
“We feel we can do well in defence but we know we have to score goals if we want to win. For us, how we approach the game is the same as all the other games. We are just think about winning. It’s simple for us. We have to go for the win and not think about anything else.”
The Anfield outfit take on Hungarian champions Debrecen this evening aiming to avoid failing to reach the knockout stages of the competition for the first time under the Spaniard.
Liverpool must win in Budapest and hope an already-qualified Lyon gain a result in Italy against Fiorentina in Group E’s other fixture.
Benitez’s side won their last three games in 2007-08 to progress while they beat Olympiakos by two clear goals in their decider in 2004-05 before going on to win the trophy.
And with Liverpool five points behind second-placed Fiorentina, Benitez accepts it will take something special for his team to extend their Champions League campaign.
“It will be difficult to get through,” said the Anfield manager. “I have said before that it will be a miracle if we do, but it depends on the other teams and if we do our job. We have to win and see what happens in the other games.
“If we can play against Fiorentina with a chance to get through then it would be fantastic.
“The last time we qualified in this manner was amazing so if we can do it now it will also be amazing. It will be at the same level.”
If Liverpool and Lyon draw, then Benitez’s side must beat Fiorentina by three clear goals at home in a fortnight to progress.
Should both Liverpool and Lyon both win, a victory of any sort against Fiorentina would be enough, while any other combination of results would see the Anfield outfit eliminated.
Benitez has dismissed fears of any French conspiracy, and added: “I think Lyon have an incentive to finish top. If you can be qualified first maybe it can be and advantage but it can also help the confidence of the team. Fiorentina are strong at home but Lyon have quality and play well on the counter-attack, so we will see. I’m sure Lyon will try to win, they will be professional. The coach will try to win, because it will give him and the team confidence.
And Jamie Carragher said: “The hardest thing is our destiny isn’t in our own hands. When we have been in situations like this before, we have been able to sort it out ourselves.
“We have the belief we can do special things. We have done it with this team and manager over the last four or five years but it has been part of club for a long time. We have left ourselves a little bit of a hole and hopefully we can get out of it.”
The Anfield budget anticipates qualification to the knockout stages of the Champions League, and it is expected elimination would mean a £2.4million shortfall that could be recouped with progress in the Europa League.
A draw tonight would at least secure a berth in Europe’s secondary competition, and although Liverpool have kept only one clean sheet in 10 away games this season, Debrecen have leaked more goals – 12 – than anyone else in the group stage.
“It won’t be easy,” said Benitez. “They will try to impress and do well and try to win. There are no easy games in Europe, we will have to concentrate on our game. We know they can score goals, but they have conceded a lot too.
“We feel we can do well in defence but we know we have to score goals if we want to win. For us, how we approach the game is the same as all the other games. We are just think about winning. It’s simple for us. We have to go for the win and not think about anything else.”
Outspoken Ryan Babel opens up Liverpool FC exit after interview
RYAN BABEL is edging closer to the Anfield exit after launching an astonishing attack on manager Rafa Benitez and his team-mates.
The Dutchman, who misses tonight’s Champions League clash with Debrecen due to injury, insists Benitez is partly to blame for his failure to make the grade in the Premier League.
And the 22-year-old claims his progress has been hampered by the “selfish” attitude of some Reds stars.
Babel’s comments look set to be the final nail in his Liverpool career with Benitez likely to offload the under-achieving winger during the January transfer window.
“I have tried to talk to the manager but it isn't of any use,” Babel said.
“I couldn't really do anything with the feedback Benitez gave me.
“His philosophy is simple – try your hardest in training and then your chance will come. But sometimes I wonder how long I can sustain it.
“Many players can play lots of bad matches and still keep their credits – I can't.
“Benitez is not a man who will give you his trust straightaway. Benitez is a manager who in certain situations can do exactly the opposite of what you expect several times.
“Every time me or my agent (Willie Haatrecht) have a chat with him he stresses I can't leave and he believes in me.
“We have to trust he is telling the truth. Saying it is different to showing it. We have agreed to look at my situation during the winter break. If there's no improvement then, I have to be honest, I want to play somewhere else.
“I still want to stay at Liverpool. I just have the feeling, for many people, I still have to prove myself.
“I think that is unjustified and a pity. I have shown I can do it plenty of times. I know I could be further in my career but if nobody helps you, if they don't make it easier for you then it is difficult.
“In 2½ years with Liverpool I have never started three matches in a row.”
Babel, who has come off the bench 58 times out of his 105 Liverpool appearances, was also critical of his Anfield team-mates.
“All the forwards, they always live for their own success. It is hard for someone who isn't selfish by nature to act selfish,” he said.
“I don't know if my team-mates were shocked by my new character but I do notice once in a while they get confused.
“Normally I would pass the ball – now I take the shot myself more often. I see how they look at me with a face that says; 'Hey I am free!'
“But I'm not going to explain it any further because they don't give me any explanation when I ask for the ball.
“We have a lot of different cultures and on the pitch we are a tight group. But outside the pitch everyone goes their own way.
“The Spanish-speaking guys are very close. The youths hang out together. And I get along with Benayoun and Lucas.
“Dirk Kuyt? I don't really hang out with him. Dirk got accepted in the group of the Spanish-speaking players. He is very friendly with them and it looks as if he understands their jokes.”
Babel signed for £11.5million from Ajax in the summer of 2007 but after a promising first season, when he was voted Liverpool's Young Player of the Year, he has regularly failed to impress.
The Dutchman, who misses tonight’s Champions League clash with Debrecen due to injury, insists Benitez is partly to blame for his failure to make the grade in the Premier League.
And the 22-year-old claims his progress has been hampered by the “selfish” attitude of some Reds stars.
Babel’s comments look set to be the final nail in his Liverpool career with Benitez likely to offload the under-achieving winger during the January transfer window.
“I have tried to talk to the manager but it isn't of any use,” Babel said.
“I couldn't really do anything with the feedback Benitez gave me.
“His philosophy is simple – try your hardest in training and then your chance will come. But sometimes I wonder how long I can sustain it.
“Many players can play lots of bad matches and still keep their credits – I can't.
“Benitez is not a man who will give you his trust straightaway. Benitez is a manager who in certain situations can do exactly the opposite of what you expect several times.
“Every time me or my agent (Willie Haatrecht) have a chat with him he stresses I can't leave and he believes in me.
“We have to trust he is telling the truth. Saying it is different to showing it. We have agreed to look at my situation during the winter break. If there's no improvement then, I have to be honest, I want to play somewhere else.
“I still want to stay at Liverpool. I just have the feeling, for many people, I still have to prove myself.
“I think that is unjustified and a pity. I have shown I can do it plenty of times. I know I could be further in my career but if nobody helps you, if they don't make it easier for you then it is difficult.
“In 2½ years with Liverpool I have never started three matches in a row.”
Babel, who has come off the bench 58 times out of his 105 Liverpool appearances, was also critical of his Anfield team-mates.
“All the forwards, they always live for their own success. It is hard for someone who isn't selfish by nature to act selfish,” he said.
“I don't know if my team-mates were shocked by my new character but I do notice once in a while they get confused.
“Normally I would pass the ball – now I take the shot myself more often. I see how they look at me with a face that says; 'Hey I am free!'
“But I'm not going to explain it any further because they don't give me any explanation when I ask for the ball.
“We have a lot of different cultures and on the pitch we are a tight group. But outside the pitch everyone goes their own way.
“The Spanish-speaking guys are very close. The youths hang out together. And I get along with Benayoun and Lucas.
“Dirk Kuyt? I don't really hang out with him. Dirk got accepted in the group of the Spanish-speaking players. He is very friendly with them and it looks as if he understands their jokes.”
Babel signed for £11.5million from Ajax in the summer of 2007 but after a promising first season, when he was voted Liverpool's Young Player of the Year, he has regularly failed to impress.
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