Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Rafa: History Must Not Repeat Itself

Rafa Benitez today warned his players not to let history repeat itself when Marseille visit Anfield for the second successive season on Wednesday night.

The Reds almost had their Champions League campaign derailed last term after Marseille grabbed a shock 1-0 win on Merseyside.

Benitez will demand his players set the record straight this time with the kind of high-octane performance that was missing during Saturday's goalless draw against Fulham.

"Marseille have players with pace and ability; skilful players who are very dangerous," the Spaniard told reporters at Anfield. "We also have the experience of last season, when we know we didn't play well.

"The people talked about an easy game but we knew it was going to be difficult. Now everybody knows they have good players, so we need to take care."

Benitez added: "After Saturday's game we talked about being frustrated, but after that there was relief because Chelsea, Arsenal, Aston Villa and United also dropped points.

"It was a special situation because we were very disappointed with the first half, but then we ended up with one more point than Arsenal and everything else the same.

"So we have confidence and we know that, normally, we're playing well and creating chances.

"We have been talking and analysing why the first half was not good and the players know what was wrong. They know it was a lack of intensity and we have to change this."

Victory on Wednesday would secure qualification from Group D with a game to spare, but Benitez insisted his side would not take their foot off the gas during the final game in PSV if this was the case.

"PSV and Marseille are good teams. When you talk about the Champions League you are talking about top-class players. It's always difficult," he explained.

"We know winning three points will be enough to qualify but we also want to finish top of the group - that would be better."

Steven Gerrard is expected to return to the Liverpool squad after coming through today's training unscathed following his adductor tear.

Benitez added: "He was training and is available. He could start and I think he could play 90 minutes, but in the end that depends on the player during the game."

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