Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Rafa Taking No Risks


Rafa Benitez will wait until lunchtime on Wednesday to confirm whether or not Steven Gerrard will figure against Real Madrid.

Benitez will assess the Reds captain in two upcoming training sessions before making his decision ahead of the daunting trip to the Bernabeu.

Madrid are sure to be a difficult side to overhaul having won their last nine league matches.

And with Gerrard key to Liverpool's success in the competition, Benitez is hoping his star player can overcome a hamstring problem in time for the first leg in Spain.

"It will not be a gamble. If the doctor says he is okay, then it is not a risk," said Benitez.

"Steven is more mature now, he would not make a decision that would be considered a risk.

"He will be involved in light training sessions, we will not try to hide anything. We will make a decision when we are sure.

"Gerrard knows he must give something to the team, and if he cannot do that he will know he is not ready. I can trust Steven on that."

Gerrard's involvement in Liverpool's upcoming European exploits is not the only topic of discussion around the Reds camp, with Benitez yet to agree a new contract at Anfield.

Asked if he felt the club's progress in Europe's elite competition would affect his future on Merseyside, Benitez said: "Of course not, these are important games for us as a club.

"We have important games now and I only want to concentrate on football.

"You have to judge a manager for his career, not just for one or two games.

"This is a big (against Madrid), but not just because I used to play and work here.

"I am a professional, so I want to win with my team, that is the only motivation for me."

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