Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Benitez Unsure Of Marseille Approach

Rafael Benitez admits he does not know whether Champions League rivals Marseille will be brave or cautious at Anfield.

The Liverpool boss, who will overtake Bill Shankly for the most European matches overseen by an Anfield manager on Wednesday night, accepts the French side could surprise him with their approach to the crucial Group D match.

This will be Benitez's 66th European match in charge of the club, and he is aiming for victory number 39 to ensure that Liverpool reach the last 16 with one group match to spare.

He will have captain Steven Gerrard back from his torn groin muscle to lead the charge.

But Benitez said: "Marseille are a good side. But it will be interesting to see how the approach the game. They have good players on the counter-attack, and they may sit deep and concede possession to us.

"But they have to win so they may be more attack-minded and really go for it. We will see very quickly how they intend to approach this game.

"This is different to last season in this competition. After losing at home to Marseille we had one point from three games and had to win everything else. We had to fight right to the end.

"The season before, we were already qualified when we went to Galatasaray for the last match, and we were able to use other players.

"The atmosphere was so different. If we can go to PSV Eindhoven next for our final group match with our place in the knock-out stage decided, we can use young players."

On his personal milestone, Benitez expressed hope that he would go on to double his tally.

"I am really proud to be in such a position so hopefully the next 66 games I will be here as well," he said.

"This amount of European games is a good achievement for anyone, but especially when you are talking about a top side like Liverpool. That also means the team is doing well in Europe and that is very positive for the club.

"I am proud, but the game is more important. I do know the history and understand it."

Benitez added: "I can recall when I was at Madrid that Liverpool beat them 1-0 in the European Cup final. My friend was the goalkeeper and there were lot of former club-mates in that side, so from that long ago I have been affected by Liverpool results.

"So now to be here and to enjoy this club and the job I do is wonderful. But I must not let any personal thoughts distract me from this game.

"The Champions League is massive and we must progress. Hopefully we can make sure of our qualification in this match and then be able to concentrate on the Premier League."

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