Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez: Lille will be a much tougher test than Portsmouth

Reds boss not expecting an easy win as his side look to overturn first leg deficit...

17 Mar 2010 19:13:00

By Alan McGuinness

More On :  Lille OSC, Liverpool, Rafa Benítez
Rafael Benitez, Liverpool

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez is not expecting a repeat of his side's 4-1 win over Portsmouth against Lille in the Europa League.

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The Reds easily dispatched the Premier League's bottom side but Benitez is warning the club's fans not to expect a repeat performance on Thursday night at Anfield.

"On Monday we could see the football the side can play and hopefully we can see that against Lille, although it will be difficult," said Benitez during his pre-match press conference.

"Everyone wants to see attacking football and we try to approach every game in the same way and sometimes you can but sometimes you cannot.

"We knew we needed to push Portsmouth from the beginning because they are not having an easy time but that was a different game.

"We played good football and the fans were happy and it was good for confidence - but we must win [against Lille] because we lost the first leg.

He added: "We have to make sure we do the right things: score, keep a clean sheet and do good football things."

Benitez is hopeful the Anfield crowd can roar the team onto victory and doesn't think his players will lack motivation - this is Liverpool's chance to win silverware this season.

He said: "The fans know this is the last opportunity to win a trophy so hopefully there will be a good atmosphere.

"And the players know it is the last opportunity to win silverware so everyone will try their best.

"I think it is very important for everyone and I'm sure the players know. It will be positive to keep winning games for the confidence of the players.

"Winning and scoring goals, that is the way to bring confidence back.

"They have quality and confidence now and we play at Anfield and we know what that means for the majority of teams."

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