Fulham v Liverpool FC: Rafael Benitez calls for Cottage industry to keep momentum building

Oct 31 2009 Ian Doyle

THE coughs and sniffles that have sounded around Melwood during the past few days might suggest there are many under the weather at Liverpool.

But Rafael Benitez believes the feelgood factor of defeat against Manchester United has overshadowed any of the ailments to have affected his squad – including the Carling Cup exit to Arsenal.

The swine flu scare that has gripped football in the last week reached Liverpool with rumours both Lucas Leiva and Fernando Torres had contracted the illness.

Benitez allayed those fears yesterday, with the duo having recovered from the virus that is now threatening Alberto Aquilani’s involvement at Fulham this afternoon.

Aquilani made his belated first appearance following a £20million summer move from Roma at the Emirates on Wednesday, when a largely second-string line-up succumbed 2-1.

But it’s the victory over United that continues to resonate loudest, with Benitez urging his players not to lose the momentum of last Sunday’s deserved triumph.

“After the United game everyone was really happy here,” says the Liverpool manager. “And after the defeat to Arsenal everyone was disappointed – you have to be when you haven’t won.

“But the players did well, it was a good game and everyone could see there were two good teams on the pitch.

“So some players who haven’t been playing many games maybe have more confidence (after Wednesday) and there is a positive mood among the players because we know we have quality.

“Everyone in the city, at least our part of the city, was really pleased after beating United. The players, staff, the fans and everyone at the club was delighted.

“These kind of games always make a difference and the mood has been fantastic.

“It’s important now to keep the winning mentality. We know it will be tough but we have confidence we can win.”