Rafa Benitez: Liverpool FC must quell cup derby frenzy

Jan 5 2009

Everton FC manager David Moyes alongside Liverpool FC's Rafa Benitez on the touchline 320

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has warned Liverpool must contain their anticipation over the Merseyside derby FA Cup tie which is sure to be the talk of their city all month - because there are important matches to be won in the meantime for his table-toppers.

Liverpool and Everton will clash twice in a week, in the Barclays Premier League on January 19 and then in the fourth round of the cup the following weekend.

With both games at Anfield, Benitez knows a crucial stage beckons in Liverpool’s quest for both the league title and Cup.

He told Liverpoolfc.tv: "It is a draw which will excite everyone in the city, because everyone knows about the great rivalry that exists between the two clubs.

"But we must remember that we have some big games coming up in the league before the cup tie - and we will be taking one game at a time.

"Only when the cup game comes around will it become our focus. Before then we play Stoke and Everton in the league, so we must keep our attention on those matches.

"But it is good to have so many important matches, because it shows that your team is doing well."

Reds defender Jamie Carragher sees the return of forward Fernando Torres, who scored on his comeback from injury on Saturday in the third-round win at Preston, as vital to Liverpool’s aspirations this season.

Torres had not played since November because of a hamstring problem, but his late goal completed a 2-0 win at Deepdale.