As the Reds prepare for their final run-out of the CL group stages, their Spanish boss has suggested that perhaps defeat would be more convenient than victory.
Liverpool have already booked their place in the last 16, after downing Olympique Marseille 1-0 in a tight encounter at Anfield on Matchday 5.
The Merseysiders will battle against PSV Eindhoven on Tuesday night as they grapple with Atletico Madrid for top spot in Group D, which the Spaniards lead by just one goal's difference.
However, the standings in other groups lead Rafael Benitez to believe that it may be more beneficial for his Reds to stay put in second place.
"It is difficult to know whether you want to finish first or second," the ex-Valencia coach was quoted as saying by The Sun. "We cannot play an English side in the last 16, so that reduces the options.
"Looking at the groups we could finish top and end up playing against Juventus or Real Madrid. It is also possible to face Lyon or Bayern Munich so it is very difficult to decide who you’d rather play next."
However, Benitez admitted there were also perks involved in finishing top.
"The best thing about winning the group is that you play the second leg of the next round at Anfield, which is very important for us."
Liverpool have already booked their place in the last 16, after downing Olympique Marseille 1-0 in a tight encounter at Anfield on Matchday 5.
The Merseysiders will battle against PSV Eindhoven on Tuesday night as they grapple with Atletico Madrid for top spot in Group D, which the Spaniards lead by just one goal's difference.
However, the standings in other groups lead Rafael Benitez to believe that it may be more beneficial for his Reds to stay put in second place.
"It is difficult to know whether you want to finish first or second," the ex-Valencia coach was quoted as saying by The Sun. "We cannot play an English side in the last 16, so that reduces the options.
"Looking at the groups we could finish top and end up playing against Juventus or Real Madrid. It is also possible to face Lyon or Bayern Munich so it is very difficult to decide who you’d rather play next."
However, Benitez admitted there were also perks involved in finishing top.
"The best thing about winning the group is that you play the second leg of the next round at Anfield, which is very important for us."
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