Sunday, July 13, 2008

Benitez Looks At Positives


Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez looks focuses on the good things he witnessed during their opening pre-season friendly against neighbours Tranmere Rovers.

Liverpool put in a solid display in their one-nil victory over Tranmere with Rafa Benitez looking at the first-half display of 17-year old Daniel Pacheco, the debuts of new signings Phillip Degen, and Diego Cavalieri, and Daniel Agger's return from injury.

Speaking of the Danish centre back, Reds boss Benitez told the clubs offical website: "The main thing for us was to see if he could come through a match - he had no problems so he will be a good plus for the team. This is the type of game you want so you can see if the players are match-fit."

The eye-catching display of youngster Pacheco also impressed Benitez: "He had two or three chances and was a threat in attack. We saw how good he was for the reserves last season and today everyone could see he has the talent and the quality."

The head coach also offered words of encouragement for new boys Degen and Cavalieri: "Cavalieri did not have too much to do but we know he will be a keeper who will fight for his place along with Pepe [Reina]. We also saw what Degen can offer on the right hand side. It is a game that we can take positives from and a lot of the lads tried to impress. Degen had four or five good openings in attack, put some crosses and I think we saw the potential that he has."

Benitez also mentioned that he expects to bolster his squad further before the window closes: "We are working hard trying to bring in good players and I think we can progress over the next week."

Rafa will now take his squad for a training camp in Switzerland.

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