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Thierry Henry Handball Can Help Liverpool In Champions League – Rafael Benitez

Anfield boss hoping Lyon can restore France’s battered reputation

Nov 22, 2009 9:44:36 AM

Thierry Henry and the infamous handball for France against Ireland (Globoesportes)

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Thierry Henry and the infamous handball for France against Ireland (Globoesportes)

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Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has admitted he is hopeful Thierry Henry’s controversial handball in France’s World Cup qualifying win over the Republic of Ireland could help his team this week as they battle to stay in the Champions League.

The Reds take on Debrecen on Tuesday knowing if Fiorentina beat an already qualified Lyon, the Merseysiders will be knocked out of the competition.

However, Benitez has challenged Claude Puel’s side to help restore French football’s reputation by fielding a strong side and giving their all against the Italians.

“I don't know if the Henry incident will affect Lyon but it could be good for us. It will be difficult for them but they have quality and players who want to prove something,” he told the News of the World.

"If they want to show everyone in the world they are good professionals and want to win every game, it would be good.

"It could be something that works out positively for Liverpool. Their coach said they would try to win. He is a professional. I know Lyon have a good group of professionals and a good manager."

Yet the Spaniard also admitted his team could not afford to be distracted by results elsewhere and must make sure they win in Hungary first of all.

"We have to do our job. That is the key thing. We can talk about Lyon and Fiorentina but it is something we cannot control. For me, it is all about us winning against Debrecen,” he added.

"You cannot influence the other game. We have to concentrate on our job, win our game and then see what happens in the other match.

"If we talk too much about Fiorentina- Lyon, we may lose focus on our game. It would be bad if Lyon won and we didn't. So we have to do our job."

Gill Clark, Goal.com UK

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