Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez is hoping to get his side's Champions League campaign off to a positive start tonight against Hungarian outfit Debrecen, and feels that, if they approach things carefully and rationally, his team should be able to reach the final of this season's competition.
"It is always important to take three points in every game, but especially when you are at home. People will say we are favourites so we will have to handle the situation because to start well in this competition is really important," he told reporters at a press conference yesterday.
"The Champions League is always a massive competition for us. We are really pleased to be in it again and want to be involved as much as we can. It will be difficult but we will try to get the points we need to qualify early, so we can manage things in a different way. If it is possible, we would like to get to the final again.
"We approach every game in every competition trying to win. It has to be like this for a top side like Liverpool. It is easy to say what it is for the fans: the Premier League, the Champions League, the FA Cup and the Carling Cup.
"If you want to put them in an order, then it's okay to say that order. But if you asked me if I would be disappointed if we won the Champions League and not the Premier League, then I would say I want to win both! It is always important to win trophies. We know we have been close in the past and we want to be there again this season."
As for tonight's opponents, Benitez acknowledges that he did not know much about them, but careful scouting has revealed that the Hungarians definitely have potential, though it remians to be seen just how they will fare against a top side like the Reds.
"We did not know too much, that is obvious, but we have been working hard, sending scouts to watch them and we have a lot of information now," he added.
"They have a very good striker with pace and a second striker with good ability. The wingers and the full-backs join the attack really well and the midfield have a lot of energy. We will have to see what they are like against a top side like Liverpool to know what their real level is.
"In this case it is more difficult because we don't know their players. Our staff are working hard and watching videos but the players don't need to see too much. I think it is obvious that the main thing for us is how we do. If we do well then we can beat anyone. The priority will be to play at our level and show the opposition respect. I think our players will know how to analyse the key situations in the game after the first 15-20 minutes.
"The players are excited. We know the Champions League is a massive trophy and that it is important to get three points from the first match."
No comments :
Post a Comment