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Liverpool entering 'crucial' period according to Rafael Benitez
Next three games could decide Reds' season...
6 Feb 2010 02:17:00
By Omar Dabbagh
Under-fire Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has stated his team have entered a critical time, with their season on the line from this weekend.
The Reds, who take on Everton in the 213th Merseyside derby on Saturday, have had an unfulfilled campaign so far after being left behind in the Premier League title race, being knocked-out of both domestic cup competitions and the Champions League.
However Benitez remains optimistic, despite a midweek visit to Arsenal, followed by a clash against Manchester City in a fortnight's time. The forthcoming crunch encounters could prove the turnaround Liverpool so desperately need.
And the 49-year-old told the Press Association: “We talk about crucial times and this period is very important.
“I’ve spoken with the players and we have been analysing what we have [in terms of games] until the end of the season and this is the most crucial phase.”
Benitez added it had reached a stage in the season where any error could prove extremely costly. He added: "We are close to the top four and we cannot make too many mistakes and we play against three teams that are around us.
"It is important to keep winning games to maintain the momentum and it would be fantastic to win all three, but you have to start with the first one.
“We want to make sure we get back into the top four and this is the first opportunity to try and do that."
Rafa will be going into Saturday’s clash with some confidence, having only lost two of his 11 Premier League derbies.
The Reds, who take on Everton in the 213th Merseyside derby on Saturday, have had an unfulfilled campaign so far after being left behind in the Premier League title race, being knocked-out of both domestic cup competitions and the Champions League.
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However Benitez remains optimistic, despite a midweek visit to Arsenal, followed by a clash against Manchester City in a fortnight's time. The forthcoming crunch encounters could prove the turnaround Liverpool so desperately need.
And the 49-year-old told the Press Association: “We talk about crucial times and this period is very important.
“I’ve spoken with the players and we have been analysing what we have [in terms of games] until the end of the season and this is the most crucial phase.”
Benitez added it had reached a stage in the season where any error could prove extremely costly. He added: "We are close to the top four and we cannot make too many mistakes and we play against three teams that are around us.
"It is important to keep winning games to maintain the momentum and it would be fantastic to win all three, but you have to start with the first one.
“We want to make sure we get back into the top four and this is the first opportunity to try and do that."
Rafa will be going into Saturday’s clash with some confidence, having only lost two of his 11 Premier League derbies.
| 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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