And while the Spaniard has promised a “strong line-up” for this evening’s match, he accepts the enforced lowering of sights in Europe could prove an issue both on and off the field.

“It’s difficult to say what the motivation will be like,” said Benitez yesterday.

“Today the training session was good, with intensity and everyone focused.

“Tomorrow, before the game we will see the atmosphere but it depends on us, if we can play well and get everyone behind us.

“The problem with Unirea is that they are defensively good, play on the counter-attack, so it will not be an open game.

“We have to be patient, but if we start with a high tempo, our fans will be pushing us on.”

Benitez added: “You have to understand the situation and move forward.

“As soon as we knew we were not in the Champions League we had to be ready for the Europa League and try to do our best.

“I was flicking between both Champions League games on Tuesday night, and watching the games I can say we are more or less at the same level.

“We have to be focused in the league, try to be in the Champions League next year and try to do well in Europe too to bring silverware.

“It’s always important to win a trophy. The UEFA Cup has been good for our fans in the past, and the Europa League has to be important for us now.

“But I’m only looking as far as Unirea, I don’t want to talk about winning the trophy now.”

Albert Riera, Alberto Aquilani, Ryan Babel and Sotirios Kyrgiakos are all pressing for a recall, while Jamie Carragher resumed training yesterday after limping out of last Wednesday’s defeat at Arsenal with an adductor problem.

Yossi Benayoun is also available after missing the last month with a rib injury but is expected to be restricted to bench duty.