Thursday, July 16, 2009

Rafa Benitez Targets A “Perfect” Premier League Season

Rafa Benitez’s preparations for the 2009/10 campaign kick-off in earnest tonight – with the Reds boss targeting a “near-perfect” season.

Liverpool have closed the gap on champions Manchester United in recent seasons, from 11 points in 2007/08 to just four points last term.

But in order to make that final transition from nearly-men to champions, Benitez believes his side will have to enjoy a perfect campaign – which is why the pre-season preparations are so vital this summer.

“You have to do everything almost perfectly because in the Premier League you cannot lose many games,” said Benitez from the Reds’ training camp in Switzerland. “You need a good atmosphere, and we have a good squad now.

“The understanding is really good now between the players. The main thing for me is to be contenders.

“We have to be there in the top four and close, then see what happens.

“Chelsea, United and Arsenal are very strong, and this year you’ll have Tottenham, Aston Villa and City. It’s clearly the most difficult league.

“We are strong enough to beat anyone and we need to be consistent. We got 86 points – a record for the club in the Premier League – but we still need to improve. But we have a lot of confidence.”

Meanwhile, Benitez has a mix of senior players and youngsters for their pre-season friendlies in Switzerland.

The Spanish contingent and Argentina captain Javier Mascherano are enjoying an extended break, but record defensive signing Glen Johnson will get his first run-out in a red jersey, while skipper Steven Gerrard will also figure.

There will also be a rare appearance for Philipp Degen in his home country, after his debut season at Anfield was largely wrecked by injury.

“I think he’s the happiest man in the squad now – he can understand everyone!” joked Benitez. “He’s training very, very well and if he’s fit he’ll be a very good addition for us.

“We will try to use all the players. Our idea is to use one team in the first half and change it at half-time. The players have to compete for their positions. Philipp’s doing well, training hard and if he has no injuries maybe we will see the best of him.”

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