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Rafa Benitez: Liverpool's 'Spirit' Can Overcome Lyon
Reds' gaffer wants players to use their hearts in France on Wednesday...
Nov 3, 2009 4:02:12 AM
Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez is backing his players' spirit and European experience to help them beat Olympique Lyonnais in France on Wednesday night.
The Reds travel to France on the back of a dreadful run of six defeats in seven games in all competitions and have been stricken by a crippling injury list.
But Benitez believes that his players can overcome adversity and record a much-needed victory.
"We have some experience in Europe and I think that will be the key," the Spaniard told the Reds' official website.
"If we want to perform well and do well then we can use the experience we have in the past.
"Always the Champions League is a massive competition. At this time it will be a crucial game for us so we have to approach the game with confidence and thinking about to win.
"The players are disappointed because we are not playing as bad as the results show at the moment. They want to do things properly and they want to win.
"The main thing is how we approach this game and we are only thinking about three points and to be in a better position after the game."
And Benitez points to the 2007-08 Champions League campaign as proof that his men can turn round what has been a disappointing run in this season's tournament.
Back then, Benitez's side lost 2-1 to Besiktas before winning their three remaining games to reach the knockout phase. A similar turnaround is needed against Lyon, who beat the Reds at Anfield last time out.
"It's our example. We needed to win, we scored a lot of goals and we showed quality and character so we have to do the same now," the manager affirmed.
"We have to show we are good enough and we can progress.
"The main thing is not to make mistakes. We have to go and do the right things just thinking about to win, and we cannot think in another way.
"Lyon are a good team. They have quality and players with ability and pace. We knew they could be dangerous but we were not expecting to concede a goal right at the end.
"I expect them to play more or less the same on Wednesday. It is a team that has good possession, and they use the wingers and get players into the box."
Zack Wilson, Goal.com UK
The Reds travel to France on the back of a dreadful run of six defeats in seven games in all competitions and have been stricken by a crippling injury list.
But Benitez believes that his players can overcome adversity and record a much-needed victory.
"We have some experience in Europe and I think that will be the key," the Spaniard told the Reds' official website.
"If we want to perform well and do well then we can use the experience we have in the past.
"Always the Champions League is a massive competition. At this time it will be a crucial game for us so we have to approach the game with confidence and thinking about to win.
"The players are disappointed because we are not playing as bad as the results show at the moment. They want to do things properly and they want to win.
"The main thing is how we approach this game and we are only thinking about three points and to be in a better position after the game."
And Benitez points to the 2007-08 Champions League campaign as proof that his men can turn round what has been a disappointing run in this season's tournament.
Back then, Benitez's side lost 2-1 to Besiktas before winning their three remaining games to reach the knockout phase. A similar turnaround is needed against Lyon, who beat the Reds at Anfield last time out.
"It's our example. We needed to win, we scored a lot of goals and we showed quality and character so we have to do the same now," the manager affirmed.
"We have to show we are good enough and we can progress.
"The main thing is not to make mistakes. We have to go and do the right things just thinking about to win, and we cannot think in another way.
"Lyon are a good team. They have quality and players with ability and pace. We knew they could be dangerous but we were not expecting to concede a goal right at the end.
"I expect them to play more or less the same on Wednesday. It is a team that has good possession, and they use the wingers and get players into the box."
Zack Wilson, Goal.com UK
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