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Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez tells his side to keep their focus ahead of Everton clash
Passion required for derby clash, but cool heads needed...
5 Feb 2010 14:58:00
By James Daly
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has urged his players to stay focused ahead of their derby clash with Everton on Saturday.
With the Reds desperately chasing a Champions League spot, a win against the Toffees is a must.
"Everton are in a good run, we are in a good run," he told reporters at a press conference on Friday.
"It will be tough for both, but if we win we will be closer to the top four. This is the only thing we can do now. Be focused [to get in the top four].
"This is a busy period. We have to win games against teams that are around us. Every single win gives confidence to the team."
With a flurry of red cards between the two sides over the course of the last few derbies, Benitez also warned his side against losing their heads.
"The passion is there in the derby, for them for us, it is easy to lose control [when asked about discipline]," he said. "Sometimes you can lose your temper, it is important to play with passion, but also to use your brain."
And with a host of teams chasing the elusive fourth spot, Benitez knows every game is a must-win from now until the end of the season.
"Manchester City, Aston Villa and Tottenham will be in the race, and it will be a long race," he said.
"It is really important for us to keep momentum, we are winning games and we have to keep doing this.
"It will be tough until the end of the season. The main thing is to get three points [which will be good preparation] for Arsenal."
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With the Reds desperately chasing a Champions League spot, a win against the Toffees is a must.
"Everton are in a good run, we are in a good run," he told reporters at a press conference on Friday.
"It will be tough for both, but if we win we will be closer to the top four. This is the only thing we can do now. Be focused [to get in the top four].
"This is a busy period. We have to win games against teams that are around us. Every single win gives confidence to the team."
With a flurry of red cards between the two sides over the course of the last few derbies, Benitez also warned his side against losing their heads.
"The passion is there in the derby, for them for us, it is easy to lose control [when asked about discipline]," he said. "Sometimes you can lose your temper, it is important to play with passion, but also to use your brain."
And with a host of teams chasing the elusive fourth spot, Benitez knows every game is a must-win from now until the end of the season.
"Manchester City, Aston Villa and Tottenham will be in the race, and it will be a long race," he said.
"It is really important for us to keep momentum, we are winning games and we have to keep doing this.
"It will be tough until the end of the season. The main thing is to get three points [which will be good preparation] for Arsenal."
| Sign up with 188BET for a FREE bet up to £25 – Great Prices, Every Game |
|
| Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
|
| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
| Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
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