Rafa Benitez insists he’s the man to bring more success to Liverpool FC

Feb 19 2008 by Ian Doyle, Liverpool Daily Post

DEFIANT Rafael Benitez yesterday defended his record at Anfield and remains convinced he is the man to lead Liverpool to further silverware.

But the Spaniard accepts things must change if his team are to compete consistently for honours both at home and abroad.

Benitez’s position came under increased scrutiny at the weekend after the shock FA Cup fifth round defeat at home to Coca-Cola Championship team Barnsley.

It has led to speculation that Benitez will be sacked in the summer if he does not guide Liverpool to another Champions League triumph in Moscow in May.

The competition resumes this evening when the Anfield outfit entertain Italian champions Inter Milan in the first knockout round first leg.

And an upbeat Benitez has reiterated his desire to remain at the club for years to come and add to a trophy haul that has already seen him lift the European Cup, the UEFA Super Cup and the FA Cup during his tenure.

“I have a lot of confidence that I will stay here for a long time, because my commitment is 100% with the club and I am sure that we can improve,” said the Anfield manager.

“I think the club are 100% committed to me also. I don’t have any suggestion the other way.

“I have two years left on my contract and I’m sure I will be here for a long time. I have confidence I will be here for a long time and we will win trophies.”

“I am sure that I can win more titles for this club because I have a clear idea about what to do in the future.

“We will need to change things. Maybe I will change things but it is clear I have the confidence to do it.

“We have a lot of young players that are progressing. I know we need to improve in some areas, that is clear, and especially when you have bad comments you can see the character of everyone.

“And that is a good thing for the future, to see how everyone responds to the problems.”

While acknowledging his current predicament, Benitez believes those demanding he must win the Champions League to save his job are being unrealistic - particularly when his record in the competition is compared to that of Premier League rivals Arsene Wenger and Sir Alex Ferguson.

“I understand why I am under pressure, but I’m surprised I am being asked the same question (on whether he needs to win the Champions League to save his job),” said the Spaniard.

“How many managers have won the Champions League one time? Tell me. How many have got to the final twice in three years or won it twice? Think about the top managers in the Premier League and their record.

“When I arrived here it was 21 years without winning the Champions League and 15 years without winning the Premier League. Why? Now we know we are improving, seven finals in three years, but still we need to improve.”

Liverpool have struggled his season under the weight of expectation having been tipped to launch a sustained challenge for the Premier League title after a summer in which close to £50m was splashed out on new players. But Benitez believes he now has the genuine backing of Anfield co-owner Tom Hicks, despite the American admitting earlier this year that talks had been held with Jurgen Klinsmann over a proposal to replace the Spaniard as manager.

“One thing I know is that Mr Hicks was been very supportive of me after the meeting, and that’s very positive for me,” said Benitez. “I know the situation now and you cannot change what’s already happened (with Klinsmann), but after the meeting everything has been clarified and he was supporting me all the time.”

Asked about the financial implications of tonight’s game, Benitez responded: “I am not thinking about more or less money, how can you approach a game thinking about that? You must think about to win. My team selection is based on the game, not the other things.”

Apart from long-term absentees Andriy Voronin (ankle) and Daniel Agger (metatarsal), Benitez has a full squad to choose from, although Martin Skrtel is unlikely to be risked as he recovers from a calf problem.

Fernando Torres is back after a hamstring injury and Pepe Reina will return in goal while Fabio Aurelio and Alvaro Arbeloa are also ready to step back into the starting line-up. Javier Mascherano and Jermaine Pennant are also vying for a place.

TONIGHT’S officials are from Belgium, with Frank de Bleeckere the referee. De Bleeckere was in charge the last time an Italian team visited Anfield, when Juventus were beaten 2-1 in the Champions League quarter-final first leg in April 2005.