Rafa Benitez last night hit back at Sir Alex Ferguson for branding Liverpool chokers, saying: We will only get stronger.
Manchester United boss Fergie started the mind games this week by claiming the Premier League leaders will collapse under the pressure.
But Benitez reckons Liverpool will last the pace – because he has players like Fernando Torres coming back from injury.
He said: “I believe we can improve.
“I think we will have more options in the second-half of the season and more competition for each position – which can be important. Clearly we are in a much better position than in the past seasons.
“We are doing what we did before and analysing all the same details.
“The difference is now that you know if you make a mistake it can be massive.
“That is why we have to consider everything.
“Martin Skrtel has not been playing due to injury, Javier Mascherano, in the last few games, has been playing much better, Gerrard is improving and we have Torres to come back.”
Dirk Kuyt, 28, also echoed the words of his manager, saying: “We have had some new players in the squad who have made us better.
“But the other players have all been together for a few years now and because of that we are only going to get better.”
Liverpool have a chance to extend their three-point lead at the top of the table by beating Stoke this Saturday, because United and Chelsea do not square off at Old Trafford until the next day.
And midfielder Xabi Alonso could be fit for the trip to the Britannia Stadium after having seven stitches on the foot injury he suffered at Preston.
Manchester United boss Fergie started the mind games this week by claiming the Premier League leaders will collapse under the pressure.
But Benitez reckons Liverpool will last the pace – because he has players like Fernando Torres coming back from injury.
He said: “I believe we can improve.
“I think we will have more options in the second-half of the season and more competition for each position – which can be important. Clearly we are in a much better position than in the past seasons.
“We are doing what we did before and analysing all the same details.
“The difference is now that you know if you make a mistake it can be massive.
“That is why we have to consider everything.
“Martin Skrtel has not been playing due to injury, Javier Mascherano, in the last few games, has been playing much better, Gerrard is improving and we have Torres to come back.”
Dirk Kuyt, 28, also echoed the words of his manager, saying: “We have had some new players in the squad who have made us better.
“But the other players have all been together for a few years now and because of that we are only going to get better.”
Liverpool have a chance to extend their three-point lead at the top of the table by beating Stoke this Saturday, because United and Chelsea do not square off at Old Trafford until the next day.
And midfielder Xabi Alonso could be fit for the trip to the Britannia Stadium after having seven stitches on the foot injury he suffered at Preston.
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