Benitez Weary Of Man City's Threat

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez admits he will be happy his team do not have to face striker Carlos Tevez at Eastlands on Sunday, but is still wary of Manchester City's quality.

The Argentina international, who Liverpool tried to sign in the summer, is currently in his homeland on compassionate leave after his wife gave birth prematurely.

And while he will not feature in a clash which could have a major bearing on who finishes fourth in the Premier League, Benitez is aware there are many other players who can hurt his side.

"Clearly he is a good player who is doing well," said the Spaniard of the 19-goal striker.

"But they have other good strikers, so I think they have enough quality in the squad and can replace Tevez with another good player.

"If Tevez is not there and they miss him we will be pleased, but I will say again, they have quality."

Tevez's international team-mate Javier Mascherano knows exactly what the striker offers but expects City to be able to cope without him.

"He is a really good player but Manchester City have a lot of really good players so if he doesn't play, they will use a player who will try to do the same as him," said the Argentina captain.

"They are a top side with some really good players. I think it will be a really important game and will be a good game to watch."

Benitez has tried to play down the significance of the match, with City currently occupying the final Champions League spot one point ahead of Liverpool and with a match in hand.

He believes there is plenty of time remaining in the season for things to change significantly - especially with Tottenham and Aston Villa also challenging.

"It will be an important game for both teams and we will try to win," he said.

"If you cannot, it is better not to lose, but the main thing for us is to try to win.

"We will try to attack and we know we will have to score goals if we want to win.

"They are an attacking team and we will have to attack too, so I think it will be open."

Mascherano also believes that one match will not decide the Champions League fate of either side.

"We are one point behind them and some teams are very close to us so it's important to get the three points," said the midfielder.

"I think it's an important game but if any team lost, nothing will happen.

"There are still a lot of games to play so it will be an important game but it will decide nothing."

The side will have been lifted by last night's 1-0 victory over Unirea Urziceni, having seen their seven-match unbeaten Barclays Premier League run ended by Arsenal last week.

Vice-captain Jamie Carragher singled out the impact of substitutes Ryan Babel and Daniel Pacheco, with the former crossing for his team-mate to head across goal for David Ngog to score with nine minutes to go.

"Ryan and Dani did very well when they came on and made a big contribution for the goal," said the defender.

"They gave us a bit of a lift and more energy and that's what we needed. They made the difference.

"It would have been nice to get a few more but hopefully we can get an away goal and finish the game off next week."

Highly-rated reserve team striker Pacheco was making only his third appearance for the senior side, but the young Spaniard hopes to be able to play a bigger part in the remainder of the season.

"I was very happy to get involved with the game and help the team out and I think everyone was quite happy at the end," said the 19-year-old.

"It is always a good thing when the manager is talking about you but I know I have to keep working, keep listening and doing my best for the reserves.

"I've got to keep my feet on the floor. I hope I will get more chances in the future and do the same again.

"We can now think about Manchester City. If I get a chance again, I hope I will take it but we will see what happens."

Mascherano Plays Down Importance Of City Clash

Javier Mascherano does not believe that Sunday's meeting of Manchester City and Liverpool will be a decisive game in the battle for fourth place in the Premier League.

Roberto Mancini's side currently occupy the final Champions League spot ahead of Sunday's game at Eastlands with Liverpool one point behind having played a game more than City.

Tottenham and Aston Villa are also within three points of City and Mascherano feels that Liverpool, who defeated Unirea Urziceni in the Europa League on Thursday night, cannot strike a decisive blow at the weekend.

"I think it's an important game but if any team lost, nothing will happen," Mascherano told the club's official website. "There are still a lot of games to play so it will be an important game but it will decide nothing."

Liverpool have endured a difficult season in the league under Rafael Benitez, losing eight games to slip well off the title pace. City, meanwhile, are unbeaten at Eastlands and Mascherano is expecting a difficult game for the Reds.

"We have a very important game on Sunday so we will try to keep focus from now until Sunday on the Premier League and then we will think about the Europa League," he said. "We are one point behind them and some teams are very close to us so it's important to get the three points.

"We have to win but we cannot lose our heads. We have to go there thinking about winning but we have to play a very good game from the beginning. Obviously when you want to win you have to go forward but you have to be careful about the counter attack because they have some very good players so we have to be clever.

"I think from the arrival of Roberto Mancini has improved them a lot. They won a lot of games in a row, then they lost some points but at the end (of the season), it is positive for them so maybe they will be more organised, more clinical and more direct so we will see."

Jovanovic Deal A Sign Of Things To Come For Liverpool

Anybody thinking that Liverpool will be spending big in this summer’s transfer window will have to think again. The signing of Milan Jovanovic from Standard Liège may be a worrying sign of how the summer is set to pan out for Liverpool, and an insight in to the group of players Benitez will be looking at.

Jovanovic is out of contract in the summer and has agreed to join the reds after being reassured that he will be given the chance to impress, despite the presence of Fernando Torres. The Serbian international has scored 12 goals in 23 games so far this season and had also been linked with Milan, Juventus and Valencia.

Of course, the fact that Liverpool have signed yet another unknown player will be food for thought for the Anfield faithful. However, not only will he provide back-up for Torres, but he could also prove to be a worthy strike partner. Jovanovic has had a good strike rate in his past 3 seasons. Ok, he may have been playing in the Belgian league, hardly one of Europe’s elite, but at 6ft tall, he will undoubtedly prove a menace in the Premier League as well. In fact, with his height and ability in the air, he could be a target for Torres to play off.

The worry for Liverpool would be that the club are already showing that they cannot compete with the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea or Manchester City in the transfer market. Even Alex McLeish at Birmingham will have more financial power than Rafa Benitez this summer. If, as they claim, Liverpool wish to challenge for the title, it is not free transfer’s and bargain buys that they should be looking for. Their latest signing will hardly create optimism at Anfield like say, David Silva or Juan Mata might do.

Optimistic fans will see this as a step forward. David N’gog has had a number of opportunities but still lacks the quality to lead the line on his own. Benitez has shown a reluctance to look into the academy despite the big reputation of Daniel Pacheco, which suggests that Jovanovic will be given a substantial amount of playing time. Fans hoping for a title challenge next season may have to think otherwise. Unfortunately for Liverpool, they will need more than a few bargain signings to avoid yet another season of high hopes and disappointment.

Benitez Braced For Tough Campaign

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has warned the club's Europa League campaign may be something of a war of attrition.

The Reds ground out a 1-0 victory at home to Unirea Urziceni on Thursday night in a performance which will hardly set alarm bells ringing around the rest of Europe.

David Ngog scored the only goal against Unirea nine minutes from time - only Liverpool's sixth in seven European matches this season - after a host of half-chances had not been taken.

One of the best fell to Steven Gerrard after just 25 seconds but his effort was tipped over the crossbar by goalkeeper Giedrius Arlauskis.

Just 11 months ago his side were hammering Real Madrid 4-0 at Anfield in the Champions League but Benitez said times had changed.

"We started really well and I was really pleased for a while," said the Spaniard.

"We cannot play at the same level that we played against Real Madrid every game, especially when the away team is defending well.

"You have to take your chances and if we had taken the first one in the first minute it could have been totally different but we had to be patient and keep on attacking.

"We were trying, passing the ball and continuing to move the ball."

Ngog's goal at least provided some breathing space ahead of next week's return leg.

And although Benitez would have liked a bigger cushion he was happy to take a slender lead to Bucharest.

"I think we could have scored one or two more goals but that is football," he said.

"The team was doing well in defence, 1-0 and a clean sheet is not bad.

"Sometimes when the other team is defending well you have to be patient and keep more of the ball and then we scored at the end.

"It is always important to score, especially in this competition, and not concede so we were waiting for this goal and were really please when we scored.

"It is not the best result but it is good. If we score one [in Romania] they have to score three so a clean sheet was important so we have to be relieved.

"If you ask me if I would prefer 2-0 then 100% yes but you cannot change the score now.

"We knew they were well-organised and they were a good team so we were expecting more or less their style of play."

Unirea coach Roni Levy believes the tie is far from over.

"I am disappointed in the result. Of course, Liverpool had the ball for most of the game but one moment we didn't concentrate we conceded a goal," he said.

"My players came and did the best they could do. This is the first half of two legs and I am looking forward to next week.

"It is a good result to take back to Bucharest: there is still a lot of interest in the game and still we have a chance."

Carra: Duo Made The Difference

Jamie Carragher hailed the impact of Ryan Babel and Daniel Pacheco after the duo came off the bench to play a major role in Liverpool's 1-0 win over Unirea Urziceni.

With the Reds searching for a vital goal, Dutch international Babel provided the cross which Pacheco intelligently headed across to David Ngog to net at the Kop end.

"Ryan and Dani did very well when they came on and made a big contribution for the goal," the Reds No.23 told Liverpoolfc.tv.

"They gave us a bit of a lift and more energy and that's what we needed. They made the difference."

Pacheco is training regularly with the first team squad at Melwood and Carragher believes the Spaniard has the talent to enjoy a bright Anfield future.

"Pacheco came on tonight and did well again," he added.

"He's a good lad as well and all of the lads get on with him very well. We are delighted for him to get his first team chance which he deserves."

The Reds will carry a slender lead to Bucharest for next Thursday's second leg and the vice-captain insists the team are confident of completing the job and qualifying for the last 16.

"In Europe you never want to concede a goal so we have to be pleased with that," he said.

"We would have liked to have scored a few more goals and kill the tie off but it's still alive now and it will be a difficult game over there.

"They were very organised and we have to give them credit for that. It's up to us to try and break them down and in the end we did.

"It would have been nice to get a few more but hopefully we can get an away goal and finish the game off next week."

Rafael Benitez's side now head to Eastlands on Sunday for a top-four clash with rivals Manchester City and Carragher is hoping the team don't make it as hard work as last season's dramatic win, when the Reds came from 2-0 down to win 3-2.

"It was a good win for us in the end but we don't want to be in that situation again when we find ourselves 2-0 down at half-time," he added.

"Hopefully we can get the three points and we go there with confidence.

"It's a big game. They are looking to establish themselves in the top four and we want to get there as well so it's all to play for."

Unirea Urziceni Defender Bruno Fernandes Disappointed After Liverpool Loss

Romanian minnows Unirea Urziceni put in an impressive defensive display in Thursday's Europa League match against Liverpool, but the English side eventually picked up a 1-0 victory, much to the dismay of Unirea defender Bruno Fernandes.

"If you'd told me it would be only 1-0 here against Liverpool, I'd say it was a good result, but after what I saw and what our team produced in terms of defensive work and sacrifice, 0-0 would be a good result so I am disappointed," said Fernandes to uefa.com.

"In the beginning, when we came into the game, we saw how difficult it was but I guess overall we did pretty well. I was surprised by the rhythm we were able to sustain – I didn't expect us to be as good as we were physically.

"But the way we closed the spaces and didn't let Liverpool play inside as they like and forced them wide is normal for us. We worked very hard on that aspect.

"We have to go forward in the second leg, because we need to score to equalise and maybe Liverpool will wait a little bit and not go forward so much like they did here."

Steven Gerrard Expects Liverpool To Be More Clinical In Return Leg Of Europa League Tie

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard remains upbeat about the Reds chances in the Europa League despite struggling to beat Romanians Unirea Urziceni in the first leg of their last 32 clash.

Rafael Benitez's side dominated proceedings at Anfield but could not break their opponents down until David Ngog's late strike, which earned them a 1-0 victory.

"They were very stubborn but we expected that," Gerrard told Five.

"You could say maybe we needed to be a bit more clinical but I think we'll get more joy away from home.

"But we were patient and the goal came. They're going to have to come out and try and beat us in the second leg."

Gerrard hopes the victory is the start of a lengthy run in the competition, despite it being seen as a poor relation to the Champions League.

"The teams knocked out of the Champions League are fantastic teams and some of the top sides across Europe are in the competition [the Europa League] so it's going to be tough to win it but we're confident we can go all the way," he added.

Rafa Benitez Happy To Take Slender Europa League Victory To Romania

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez was satisfied with his side’s 1-0 Europa League victory over Unirea Urziceni despite their obvious struggles to break down the determined Romanians.

Striker David Ngog’s goal nine minutes from time eventually ended the resistance to give the Reds some breathing space ahead of next week’s return leg.

And although Benitez would have liked a bigger cushion he was happy to take a slender lead to Bucharest.

“I think we could have scored one or two more goals but that is football,” he said.

“The team was doing well in defence, 1-0 and a clean sheet is not bad.

“Sometimes when the other team is defending well you have to be patient and keep more of the ball and then we scored at the end.

“It is always important to score, especially in this competition, and not concede so we were waiting for this goal and were really please when we scored.

“It is not the best result but it is good. If we score one they have to score three so a clean sheet was important so we have to be relieved.

“If you ask me if I would prefer 2-0 then 100% yes but you cannot change the score now.

“We knew they were well-organised and they were a good team so we were expecting more or less their style of play.”

Two substitutes played a major part in the goal with Ryan Babel crossing for Daniel Pacheco to head back to Ngog and Benitez said he was glad to have options from the bench.

“It is always important to have good players on the bench with skills that can change a game,” he added.

The match could have been a lot easier had Steven Gerrard put away Liverpool’s first chance after just 25 seconds.

Ngog’s goal was only the sixth in seven European matches this season - a far cry from the last campaign when they routed Real Madrid 4-0 at Anfield 11 months ago and scored four in a Champions League quarter-final against Chelsea.

However, Benitez said it was unrealistic to expect his side to consistently repeat those performances.

“We started really well and I was really pleased for a while,” said the Spaniard.

“We cannot play at the same level that we played against Real Madrid every game, especially when the away team is defending well.

“You have to take you chances and if we had taken the first one in the first minute it could have been totally different but we had to be patient and keep on attacking.

“We were trying, passing the ball and continuing to move the ball.”

Unirea coach Roni Levy believes the tie is far from over.

“I am disappointed in the result. Of course, Liverpool had the ball for most of the game but one moment we didn’t concentrate we conceded a goal,” he said.

“My players came and did the best they could do. This is the first half of two legs and I am looking forward to next week.

“It is a good result to take back to Bucharest: there is still a lot of interest in the game and still we have a chance.”

Match Report: Liverpool 1 - 0 Unirea Urziceni

Striker David Ngog's goal nine minutes from time eventually broke the resistance of a determined Unirea Urziceni at Anfield in the Europa League.

With the visitors intent on soaking up plenty of pressure Rafael Benitez's side struggled to find the creativity to get past the massed Romanian ranks.

However, the Frenchman's close-range header meant the Reds have some breathing space as they head to Bucharest for next week's third round second leg tie.

The victory was only Liverpool's third in nine European fixtures since they beat Real Madrid 4-0 in the last 16 of the Champions League 11 months ago - a disappointing run which contributed to their exit from Europe's elite-level competition in December.

Their job would have been easier had Steven Gerrard converted their first chance after just 25 seconds when Unirea lost possession straight from the kick-off.

Albert Riera and Dirk Kuyt linked up for the Dutchman to put the midfielder through but his side-foot shot was tipped over by goalkeeper Giedrius Arlauskis, who then punched away the Liverpool captain's corner.

Unirea's 4-5-1 formation meant they were happy to keep 10 men behind the ball and when Liverpool gained possession they all immediately retreated to the halfway line - meaning the hosts had to work hard for their openings.

However, Kuyt enjoyed some luck in the 10th minute when his heavy touch in the penalty area was not cleared and he followed up to flash a shot across goal which Arlauskis tipped past the post.

Gerrard was next to miss a chance, planting a 12-yard header from Riera's cross well wide.

Riera tried his luck from distance in the 26th minute but his left-foot drive was deflected wide by George Galamaz.

The game had taken on an attack versus defence training exercise with Unirea rarely venturing forward.

When they did, with a counter-attack just after the half-hour, Marius Onofras attempted an audacious lob over Jose Reina from the halfway line wide on the right but the Spain goalkeeper comfortably claimed.

Javier Mascherano's 30-yard drive was deflected wide by Razvan Paduretu while Ngog's shot on the turn from just inside the penalty area was also diverted wide.

Five minutes before half-time Bruno Fernandes was booked for bringing down Gerrard as he looked to burst clear but Daniel Agger drilled the 35-yard free-kick straight into the wall.

Heartened by their first half performance Unirea looked more inclined to go forward after the break but it was Liverpool who had the first chance with Gerrard heading wide again from Jamie Carragher's 52nd-minute cross.

Pablo Brandan was booked for tripping Gerrard in the centre-circle, ruling him out of next week's second leg through suspension.

Had Paduretu shown more composure on the edge of the area Liverpool could have been in trouble but the midfielder hacked wildly over.

Fabio Aurelio's low drive was on target but he was denied by a good low save from Arlauskis.

The ineffective Riera was replaced by Ryan Babel for the last 28 minutes and he began encouragingly with two decisive runs, the latter resulting in a cross to Gerrard at the far post which the England international could not keep in.

Mascherano was booked for a foul on Iulian Apostol as Liverpool continued to labour.

Martin Skrtel should have put the home side ahead in the 71st minute but he headed over Aurelio's inswinging corner from five yards.

Benitez sent on reserve team striker Daniel Pacheco, making only his second appearance in Europe, for Alberto Aquilani with quarter of an hour remaining.

Mascherano was caught in possession by Apostol, who charged forward 20 yards before curling a shot woefully wide.

With nine minutes to go the breakthrough finally came, with Pacheco playing an important part.

The diminutive Spaniard out-jumped his marker at the far post to head back across goal for Ngog to nod in from five yards.

Gerrard fired just wide in the closing stages as Liverpool pushed for the second which would give them a cushion ahead of the second leg.

Joleon Lescott Has A Pop At Liverpool

Manchester City star Joleon Lescott has cranked up the pressure on Liverpool ahead of Sunday’s massive Eastlands clash.

The former Everton defender saw City leapfrog Liverpool to reclaim fourth spot in midweek and he said: “The pressure is all on you!”

After an unimpressive 1-1 draw at Stoke, Lescott insists it is Liverpool who should be feeling the heat.

The two meet head-on in a game that is sure to have a huge bearing on which side goes on to claim fourth place and the all-important final Champions League spot. City sit one point ahead of the Reds and have a game in hand on Rafa Benitez’s rejuvenated side but Lescott says they have to kick on.

He said: “At the start of the season we wanted to get into the Champions League and we still believe we can do that.

“Personally I think all the pressure will be on them. We are confident because it is in our own hands now so we have to go and push for it. We don’t want to let them back in.”

Benitez will be keeping his fingers crossed that goal ace Fernando Torres is back in his line-up and Lescott admits he will be studying videos of the Spanish star just in case.

He added: “If Torres is going to play then I will be watching videos studying his strengths and weaknesses.”

Europa League Will Be Hard To Win, Says Rafa Benitez

Liverpool FC manager Rafa Benitez reckons the quality of the Europa League has been underestimated this season.

Liverpool FC dropped into UEFA’s second-tier competition from the Champions League, along with the likes of Juventus, Atletico Madrid, Marseille, Wolfsburg and Thursday night’s opponents Unirea Urziceni.

They supplemented a competition which already boasted clubs such as Valencia, Villarreal, Hamburg and Sporting Lisbon - not to mention Premier League sides Fulham and Everton FC.

And although the Europa League is not where Liverpool FC expected to be, Benitez believes it will be a difficult trophy to win.

"To be fair, if you analyse the teams that are in the competition there are some very strong teams," he said.

"It will be a difficult competition, the only one we can win now, so we will try to do our best from the beginning.

"We have to progress, we have to win the first round and go forward because we might have Juventus, Valencia or Atletico Madrid.

"Any club in the Europa League which reaches the semi-final will be good enough to be in the Champions League too.

"To win a European competition against top sides is important and if you cannot be in the Champions League you have to do your best here and try to bring something for the fans.

"The response of the players to being knocked out of the Champions League was fantastic and we have to keep doing the same."

Liverpool FC last won this competition, in its former guise of the UEFA Cup, against Alaves in 2001.

Of the players who featured in that final, only captain Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher remain at Liverpool FC.

Benitez, who also won the UEFA Cup with Valencia, believes all the players have to draw on what European experience they have to ensure a good run in the competition.

"We know what it means to win the UEFA Cup, Carra and Gerrard have this experience and I was at Valencia so I know," he added.

"The players have experience in the Champions League and although the names of the clubs now are not familiar, when you play quarter-finals and semi-finals you will see big names.

"They know it (the Europa League) is the only way to do something important."

Last season’s Romanian champions Unirea actually finished their maiden Champions League campaign with a better points tally than Liverpool FC and enjoyed victories away to Rangers and at home to Sevilla.

And Benitez knows they are not to be taken lightly despite being an unfamiliar name.

"Maybe the people don’t know but they (Unirea) were doing very well in the Champions League," said the Spaniard.

"Romania have some good players but normally their weak point is the tactical organisation of the teams, but with this one we were surprised because they were well-organised, so it will be tough.

"We know they are a difficult team to beat so the main thing for me is to tell the players to approach the match like a final."

Unirea’s Israeli manager Roni Levy, whose Maccabi Haifa team were defeated by Liverpool FC in a Champions League qualifier in 2007, is optimistic.

"It is a very important game for us," said the 43-year-old.

"We hope to defend well, maybe counter-attack, maybe expose them on the pitch and maybe score - that would be great."

Real Madrid, AC Milan And Juventus In Potential Three-Way Summer Fight To Land Liverpool Manager

Beleagured Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez could face a three-way summer fight for his services.

Real Madrid head coach Manuel Pellegrini and AC Milan's Leonardo have both been told they must do better after defeats in Europe this week - and both are said to see Benitez as the man who could transform their fortunes.

Sportsmail were the first to reveal that Juventus were lining up the Spaniard as their next manager. Alberto Zaccheroni has been put in charge of the Bianconeri till the end of the season following the dismisal of Ciro Ferrara, but the Serie A side will move for Benitez at the end of the season.

The former Valencia boss has also been linked with the San Siro, where Milan owner Silvio Berlusconi has criticised the team's performance in the 2-1 Champions League defeat by Manchester United.

'Milan are a great team, but only if they allow the players to play properly,' said Berlusconi in an apparent swipe at Leonardo's tactics.

'Even this year Milan have everything to win, only if they let them play well though.'

Meanwhile, reports in Spain suggest Pellegrini could be sacked if Madrid go out of the Champions League next month.

The Bernabeu giants were beaten 1-0 at Lyon on Tuesday night and Madrid's director general Jorge Valdano is said to have warned the Chilean that an exit at the last 16 stage will not be tolerated.

Pellegrini came under fire before Christmas when his team of Galacticos were knocked out of the Spanish Cup by lowly Alcorcon, but his side are just two points off leaders Barcelona in the hunt for La Liga.

Rafa: Torres Absence Has Hurt Us

Rafa Benitez admits the absence of Fernando Torres has been the key reason for Liverpool FC's faltering season - but believes his team can still ensure a silver lining to the campaign.

The Anfield outfit begin their Europa League campaign when they host Romanian champions Unirea Urziceni in the first leg of their round of 32 tie on Thursday.

Liverpool dropped into the competition after being eliminated from the group stage of the Champions League for the first time in six seasons under Benitez.

Torres started only half of the six group games and has been hampered for much of the season by a succession of problems.

The striker this week resumed light training, having been sidelined for more than a month following an operation on damaged knee ligaments.

And Benitez has pointed to the influence of Wayne Rooney on Manchester United in recent months as to how much Liverpool have missed Torres, who remains the club's leading scorer this season with 12 goals in 21 games.

"It's the same for every team," said the Anfield manager. "If you lose your top scorer for a lot of games then it will cost you. We lost a lot of players at the same time, players with quality - Agger, Johnson, Yossi, Gerrard, Torres - all at the same time, and we've lost Aurelio for much of the season.

"Any team would find it difficult to manage without those numbers and that quality. And it is more difficult if you lose your striker who can be such a difference.

"When you talk about a good player, at his best moment he can be a massive difference, but only for a good team.

"One player, without good team-mates around them, it will be impossible, but United are a good team, so if they have a good player in front like Rooney, it can make a difference."

Torres, along with fellow long-term absentee Glen Johnson, is expected to be back in full training next week.

Benitez has previously admitted that securing a fourth-place Premier League finish and qualification for next season's Champions League is the priority for his team.

"It's difficult to say what the motivation will be like," said Benitez yesterday. "Today the training session was good, with intensity and everyone focused.

"The problem with Unirea is that they are defensively good, play on the counter-attack, so it will not be an open game, and not a game you enjoy watching.

"We have to be patient, but if we start with a high tempo, our fans will be pushing us on. If we cannot do this, hopefully they can help the players."

Benitez added: "You have to understand the situation and move forward. As soon as we knew we were not in the Champions League we had to be ready for the Europa League and try to do our best.

"I was flicking between both Champions League games on Tuesday night, and watching the games I can say we are more or less at the same level.

"We have to be focused in the league, try to be in the Champions League next year and try to do well in Europe too to bring silverware.

"It's always important to win a trophy. The UEFA Cup has been good for our fans in the past, and the Europa League has to be important for us now.

"But I'm only looking as far as Unirea, I don't want to talk about winning the trophy now."

Albert Riera, Alberto Aquilani, Ryan Babel and Sotirios Kyrgiakos are all pressing for a recall, while Jamie Carragher resumed training yesterday after limping out of last Wednesday's defeat at Arsenal with an adductor problem. Yossi Benayoun is also available after missing the last month.

Kenwyne Jones: I Won't Walk, Its Just Talk

Kenwyne Jones admits all the talk of a January move to Liverpool upset his form but insists he wants to stay at Sunderland.

No approach was made by Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez but Jones says he was distracted by the transfer talk until boss Steve Bruce gave him a talking to.

“Mr. Bruce spoke to me and reassured me that the club still wanted me,” said Jones. “That is always nice to hear. Sometimes a big transfer story can make it hard for the manager to say anything.

“I never gave any indication that I wanted to leave or I was unhappy. There was a lot of stuff being said by whoever and you can’t stop that. But I didn’t have any part to play in that whole situation.

“If one of the world’s big clubs come in for you it’s understandable you might have the desire to go to that next level. Until you sign a contract with a new club it’s all just talk. January was a crazy time and now I will focus on our next games.”

Liverpool FC's Steven Gerrard Targets Europa League Record

Steven Gerrard has vowed to attempt to win Europa League, making Liverpool the first side to lift the trophy four times.

The Reds enjoyed spells as winners of the cup, formerly known as the UEFA Cup, in 1973, 1976 and 2001; when Gerrard scored in an enthralling final with Deportivo Alaves.

Only Inter Milan and Juventus, who dropped into the Europa League following their Champions League group stage elimination, have equalled the Anfield club's tally in the tournament but Gerrard believes that Rafael Benitez's side can become the leading winners with four crowns.

He said: "Anyone who underestimates the Europa League is not for me because I've lifted the UEFA Cup before. It's a special trophy, and was a superb final. Hopefully we can experience the same feeling this season.

"I've always found in Europe that Liverpool have more problems against less well-known teams because of the surprise factor.

"To play Liverpool is a big game for Unirea and they'll be looking for a big upset and will be very dangerous, but Rafa will make sure that the team is prepared."

Speaking ahead of tonight's clash with Unirea Urziceni, Gerrard warned that Liverpool will not be taking the Romanians lightly following an inconsistent season that sees them battling for fourth place in the Barclays Premier League.

He added: "It's very dangerous to bet against Liverpool [in Europe], especially when our backs are to the wall.

"This season has been inconsistent and hasn't gone to plan. But, for me as captain and for the team, we've got one more trophy to lift. So we'll be giving everything.

Joining Liverpool Would Be My Pinnacle, Says Sunderland's Kenwyne Jones

Sunderland striker Kenwyne Jones has dropped a huge hint that he would jump at the chance of joining Liverpool.

Jones was linked with a move to Anfield last month and although he remains committed to the Sunderland cause the speculation has pricked his interest in swapping Wearside for Merseyside.

"If one of the world's big clubs comes in for you it's understandable a player might have the desire to go to that next level," said the Trinidad & Tobago international.

"Until you sign a contract with a new club it's all just talk. January was a crazy time and now I have to focus on the games ahead.

"The manager spoke to me. The reassuring speech came out to let me know the club still wanted me. That is always nice to hear.

"But sometimes a big situation like the transfer story can make it hard for the manager to say anything. But as far as I am concerned, we are all needed."

Liverpool are understood to have mooted a loan deal for Jones during the January transfer window, a suggestion that drew an angry response from Sunderland manager Steve Bruce and left the former Southampton player feeling uneasy.

"I didn't have any part to play in that whole situation," Jones said ahead of struggling Sunderland's visit to Premier League title hopefuls Arsenal on Saturday.

"There were stories going back and forth that were disturbing, there is no possible way that you can avoid reading anything in the papers but you try and lock yourself away from it as much as possible.

"If you noticed during all of this stuff I never came out and gave any indication that I wanted to leave, that I was unhappy or anything like that.

"For me, that assumption is a bit far-fetched. There was a lot of stuff being said by whoever and you can't stop that.

"All I can do to prove I am committed to Sunderland by showing it in games - and hopefully people can then see it with their own eyes now."

Jones, 25, also paid tribute to the club's supporters who have warmed to the player recently following a series of impressive performances.

"It's nice to hear the fans signing my name in the last two or three games but I think they have been doing it most of the season," Jones said.

"It's great to know that they recognise that when I wear a Sunderland shirt I give it 100 per cent.

"I don't think the fans had any reason to believe that I was behind these rumours, or that I wanted to leave."

Europa League Preview: Liverpool vs. Unirea Urziceni

Liverpool recommence their European campaign this week with a home clash against fellow Champions League dropouts Unirea Urziceni.

The Reds failed to make their way out of a group containing Fiorentina, Olympique Lyonnais and Hungarian underdogs Debrecen in the continent's blue-ribbon competition.

Thus, they now find themselves competing in the inaugural edition of the Europa League, although it remains to be seen exactly how much of a fight the men from Merseyside will put up.

Liverpool won the UEFA Cup three times, their last triumph coming in their treble-winning season of 2001-02, while manager Rafael Benitez claimed the trophy during his highly successful reign at Valencia.

However, with his side locked in a tight tussle for a top-four finish in the Premier League, it is expected that the Spanish tactician will prioritise domestic duties over Europe's second-tier tournament.

Nevertheless, the Anfield giants will head into this encounter as clear favourites, although Unirea proved in the Champions League that they are no easy beats.

The Romanian outfit were just a point shy of Stuttgart in Group G, and their victories over Rangers (2008 UEFA Cup finalists) and Sevilla (2006 and 2007 UEFA Cup winners) showed that they know how to handle themselves against seasoned opposition.

Unirea return from the winter break with Roni Levy at the helm, Dan Petrescu having quit the club to take up a post in Russia. The new gaffer has met both Liverpool and Benitez in European play as boss of Maccabi Haifa.


FORM GUIDE

Liverpool

Feb 10: Arsenal 1-0 Liverpool (Premier League)
Feb 6: Liverpool 1-0 Everton (Premier League)
Jan 30: Liverpool 2-0 Bolton Wanderers (Premier League)
Jan 26: Wolverhampton Wanderers 0-0 Liverpool (Premier League)
Jan 20: Liverpool 2-0 Tottenham Hotspur (Premier League)

Unirea Urziceni

Dec 12: Unirea 2-0 Iasi (Romanian League)
Dec 9: Stuttgart 3-1 Unirea (Champions League)
Dec 4: Ceahlaul 2-3 Unirea (Romanian League)
Nov 30: Unirea 2-0 Gloria (Romanian League)
Nov 24: Unirea 1-0 Sevilla (Champions League)


TEAM NEWS

Liverpool

Key attackers Fernando Torres (knee) and Yossi Benayoun (broken rib) are back in training but will not make the squad, while Jamie Carragher has been passed fit after limping out of last week's loss to Arsenal with a groin complaint. Star full-back Glen Johnson remains sidelined with knee trouble.

Last starting XI (vs. Arsenal): Reina, Carragher, Skrtel, Agger, Insua, Mascherano, Lucas, Kuyt, Gerrard, Maxi, Ngog.

Unirea Urziceni

Levy's main concern is keeping his team intact for the return leg, as Iulian Apostol, Marius Bolasco, Pablo Brandan, George Galamaz and Ricardo Vilana are all one booking away from suspension.

Last starting XI (vs. Iasi): Arlauskis, Nicu, Maftei, Fernandes, Brandan, Semedo, Paduretu, Paraschiv, Frunza, Rusescu, Bilasco.


PLAYERS TO WATCH

Liverpool - Dani Pacheco

The Barcelona youth product is one of many fringe dwellers expected to get a run throughout the course of this tie. Regarded by some as the most technically gifted player in the entire Liverpool squad, this is a kid all Kopites should keep an eye on.

Unirea Urziceni - Marius Bilasco

The 28-year-old was Unirea's star man in the Champions League group stage, putting in fine displays against Rangers and Stuttgart. Capable of playing both up top and on the flank, he is the sort of player who can exploit any lapses from a Liverpool side who may be more worried about this weekend's clash with Manchester City.

Liverpool FC Must Make A Statement Against Unirea Urziceni, Says Emilano Insua

Liverpool FC defender Emiliano Insua believes the Reds have to tackle the Europa League with the same mentality as the Champions League if they are to succeed.

Having failed to make it through the group stage for the first time in manager Rafa Benitez’s reign of almost six years, the Reds are facing up to the reality of UEFA’s second-tier competition.

Romanian opponents Unirea Urziceni also dropped out of the Champions League this season but their expectations on their first appearance among Europe’s elite will have been a lot lower than Liverpool FC’s.

But Insua insists Liverpool FC have to call on their vast European experience to get them through what will be an unfamiliar challenge for many of the squad.

"It is a bit strange to see Liverpool in the Europa League but we have to approach the game like we’re playing in the Champions League," said the Argentinian left-back.

"We want to win a trophy this season and the only one we can win is the Europa League because we are a bit far behind in the Premier League.

"It would be very nice for us. We have to leave the disappointment (of a Champions League exit) behind us and play the next game as best we can.

"I think Liverpool always has pressure in all competitions so we have to think we can win it and the first step will be on Thursday, which is a massive game we have to win."

The 21-year-old defender, who has emerged as Liverpool FC’s first-choice left-back this season, admits they have to make a statement against Unirea on Thursday.

"We have to go into the game with confidence and push them at Anfield and go for the win while also keeping them quiet," he said.

"It is a very important home game and we need to score some goals and not concede because away goals are very important."

Carragher Boost For Reds

Jamie Carragher has handed Liverpool an injury boost after being declared fit for Thursday's Europa League clash with Unirea Urziceni.

The Reds defender was expected Liverpool's Europa League clash after being forced off against Arsenal last week with a groin problem.

However, Carragher has recovered from the problem and has been able to take part in training this week.

Yossi Benayoun is also back in training after a month out with a rib injury and Reds boss Rafa Benitez will make a late decision on whether or not to use the Israeli against Unirea.

"Carra is training again and he will be available, which is very good news for us as he is an important player for us," said Benitez.

"Yossi is training with the team. He still has a problem with his rib but at least he is training. We will decide about him on Thursday."

Fernando Torres and Glen Johnson are both making progress on their returns to fitness from knee problems, but they are still a few weeks away from being available.

"Torres and Johnson are progressing and working with the fitness coach," added Benitez.

"They are very close but not available yet."

Benayoun To Be Held Back

Liverpool midfielder Yossi Benayoun is unlikely to be risked for the visit of Unirea Urziceni in the Europa League.

The Israeli has not played since breaking a rib more than a month ago in the FA Cup defeat by Reading and, although he has been training with the squad, he may be held back for Sunday's match at Manchester City.

January signing Maxi Rodriguez is ineligible having already played in Europe for Atletico Madrid but defender Sotirios Kyrgiakos, currently serving a domestic suspension that rules him out of the trip to Eastlands, is available.

Midfielder Alberto Aquilani is back after missing last Wednesday's defeat at Arsenal through illness and, although striker Fernando Torres is recovering well from a knee operation, he is not yet close to a comeback.