Rafa Benitez still optimistic after Reading FA Cup draw

Jan 4 2010 by Ian Doyle, Liverpool Daily Post

RAFAEL BENITEZ remains optimistic for the New Year despite seeing Liverpool held to an FA Cup draw at Reading.

The Spaniard's side must replay their third round tie at Anfield on Wednesday week after a 1-1 draw on Saturday at the Coca-Cola Championship strugglers.

Simon Church gave Reading a 24th-minute lead only for Steven Gerrard to equalise 12 minutes later.

But with Liverpool having won their previous two Premier League games, Benitez is confident his team are showing signs of improvement after a disappointing first half to the campaign.

“If you see the training sessions they are training really well, they are very positive,

their commitment in every training situation is very good,” said the Anfield manager.

“We have been improving in the last three or four weeks and against Aston Villa we were in control. Reading had one or two chances at set-pieces but we had control of the game and then hopefully it will be the same in the next games. I remain optimistic for 2010, yes.”

Benitez admits Liverpool are still attempting to coax Gerrard back to full fitness while asking the skipper to play.

Gerrard has responded with two goals in his last three games, and Benitez said: “I'm not surprised Steven has the desire to win every game.

“He was injured before but we were trying to give him some match fitness so he has to play games and you know that Gerrard, Torres, they can make the difference. We are trying just to take care of him and if he has to play, he has to play.