Rafa Benitez sets Euro qualification for next season ahead of winning this season

Apr 12 2008

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RAFAEL BENITEZ has urged his Liverpool players to secure Champions League qualification as soon as possible – so they can concentrate on winning this season’s competition.

Benitez’s side return to domestic matters this weekend after memorably defeating Arsenal on Tuesday night to set up a third European Cup semi-final in four years against Chelsea.

Liverpool currently stand three points clear of Everton in the race for fourth place, a lead that is effectively four points given their vastly superior goal difference.

With Benitez’s side entertaining Blackburn Rovers tomorrow afternoon, Everton could move level on points with their neighbours with victory over relegation-threatened Birmingham City today.

And despite the excitement engendered by their midweek win, the Liverpool manager is confident his players won’t be distracted before their first leg against Chelsea on Tuesday week.

“We have experience and we know it’s important to be focused on the league,” said Benitez. “We are always talking about how important it is to finish in the top four. The players know, the staff know and so we have to be ready for this weekend.

“We want to win every game now if it’s possible and then see what happens with Everton. We want to make sure we can finish in the top four and then think about the semi-final.

“If we want to be sure then four wins. Maybe that number could be less, though.”

Their run to the final of the Champions League was a factor when Liverpool finished behind Everton during the pair’s last scrap for fourth place in 2005.

However, Benitez is confident his squad is better equipped to compete on both fronts and said: “We have the experience to cope with this situation and we are also three points ahead in the table so it’s different.”

Liverpool will be aiming to continue a run of form that extended to one defeat in 12 games with their 4-2 win over Arsenal in midweek.

Their late comeback capped another emotionally-charged Anfield night, and Benitez said: “I think it was one of the best. I remember the game against Olympiakos and the semi-finals against Chelsea but the atmosphere in this game, along with everything that was going on, was amazing.

“Everybody enjoyed the game and then enjoyed the moments after it, but now we have to think about the next match and that’s why we are thinking about Blackburn.”

Benitez is likely to juggle his resources once again for tomorrow’s game. Ryan Babel is hopeful his impressive late cameo on Tuesday has earned him a recall while Steve Finnan, Alvaro Arbeloa, John Arne Riise and Yossi Benayoun are pressing for a starting role.

With Javier Mascherano serving the final game of his three-match suspension, Lucas could come into midfield although, should Benitez persist with a 4-4-2 formation, Steven Gerrard may move across to a central berth.

“Some of the players are a little bit tired but we have time,” said Benitez. “We will check on Saturday in the training session and see who will be fit for the game.”

Peter Crouch sat out training yesterday with a minor toe injury but is expected to be available tomorrow.

Jermaine Pennant is fit after recovering from the hamstring problem that ruled him out in midweek but Daniel Agger (foot) and Harry Kewell (groin) are out.

If Sami Hyypia and Gerrard play, they will both be making their 300th league appearance for the club.