Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has admitted that the loss of the "Anfield effect" could dent his side's chances of defeating Chelsea in the Champions League semi-final.
For the third time in four seasons Liverpool, who have doubts over the fitness of captain Steven Gerrard, must beat Chelsea to reach the European Cup final. But whereas Liverpool played at home in the second leg of the two previous encounters, this time they know they must make the most of home advantage tomorrow night ahead of next week's second leg at Stamford Bridge.
"It could be different to last year," Benitez said. "The key has been Anfield in the last year. Against Arsenal you could see a big difference. But we will try and do something important in the first game and the second will be easier.
"With Chelsea you need to score some goals and don't concede. Not conceding is important because they'll have chances.
"Chelsea have a better balance and are stronger in defence. They are not as offensive as Arsenal but stronger in defence. The challenge for us is hard. The difference now is we are in the semi-finals so it will be difficult."
Benitez added that Chelsea were just as formidable under Avram Grant as they were under Jose Mourinho.
"I haven't seen much difference to the team we beat last year," he said. "I have said, Avram is doing a good job."
According to Mourinho, Liverpool face the greater pressure going into the match. "Liverpool have to win at least a cup. If they don't, their season will be a failure."
For the third time in four seasons Liverpool, who have doubts over the fitness of captain Steven Gerrard, must beat Chelsea to reach the European Cup final. But whereas Liverpool played at home in the second leg of the two previous encounters, this time they know they must make the most of home advantage tomorrow night ahead of next week's second leg at Stamford Bridge.
"It could be different to last year," Benitez said. "The key has been Anfield in the last year. Against Arsenal you could see a big difference. But we will try and do something important in the first game and the second will be easier.
"With Chelsea you need to score some goals and don't concede. Not conceding is important because they'll have chances.
"Chelsea have a better balance and are stronger in defence. They are not as offensive as Arsenal but stronger in defence. The challenge for us is hard. The difference now is we are in the semi-finals so it will be difficult."
Benitez added that Chelsea were just as formidable under Avram Grant as they were under Jose Mourinho.
"I haven't seen much difference to the team we beat last year," he said. "I have said, Avram is doing a good job."
According to Mourinho, Liverpool face the greater pressure going into the match. "Liverpool have to win at least a cup. If they don't, their season will be a failure."
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