Rafa Benítez Insists Liverpool’s Season is Alive On Two Fronts After Benfica Win

Liverpool manager Rafa Benítez believes there is still all to play for in their season after victory over Benfica set up a Europa League semi-final with Atletico Madrid and gave them impetus to take the fight for fourth place in the Premier League down to the wire.

Liverpool produced an outstanding attacking performance at Anfield last night to overturn a 2-1 first-leg deficit with an emphatic 4-1 victory over the Portuguese league leaders.

Dirk Kuyt and the often-maligned Lucas, both superb throughout, set up the victory with first-half goals before top scorer Fernando Torres struck twice either side of an Oscar Cardozo reply.

The vibrancy and determination of Liverpool’s display made their struggles in the Premier League seem all the more perplexing.

With hopes of finishing fourth looking increasingly forlorn, the Europa League is now Liverpool’s best hope of salvaging a disappointing campaign, although Benítez is not giving up on Champions League qualification.

‘’Hopefully we can play well, score goals, get closer to the top four and get to the final,” said the Spaniard.

‘’We will try to win every game. We will try to do it against Fulham on Sunday and try to get close to the top four.

‘’If we can get to the final and win the final we will be very pleased. We have two targets now and we will try to do both.’’

The performance of Lucas was particularly pleasing for Benítez given the low regard with which the fans hold the Brazilian.

Lucas nonchalantly swerved around goalkeeper Julio Cesar for his first goal for 11 months and had a huge hand in Torres’ second after winning the ball in midfield.

Benítez said: ‘’Lucas was involved in two goals and that is always important for the fans and people watching the game.

‘’I am really pleased with him in terms of effort in every game.

‘’Between the lines we knew Benfica were very dangerous, so (Javier) Mascherano and Lucas were key players away and at home.’’

Torres created club history as his double made him the first player to score twice in four successive games at Anfield.

His first came at the end of a sweeping counter-attack just before the hour and his second, a delicate chip over substitute goalkeeper Moreira, settled the tie eight minutes from time.

‘’I was really pleased with the first and second goals,” said Benítez, “but the third was amazing because there were a lot of players involved. It was perfect.

‘’We have some very good players and the value of the squad is much greater than in the past.

‘’Torres has a big value because he is a good player, still young and I think he can improve.’’

Liverpool now return to domestic action with Sunday’s trip to Fulham, a match that could be a dress rehearsal for the Europa League final.

Veteran defender Jamie Carragher feels the victory will give Liverpool a huge lift for the remainder of their campaign.

Carragher said: ‘We can take massive confidence from this as they are flying in their league and next season will probably be in the Champions League.

“Before the draw was made they were the ones that everyone was trying to stay away from so this is a great result.’’

Pepe Reina Commits To Liverpool With New Six-Year Contract

Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina has put pen to paper on a new contract with the club, which commits him to another six years at Anfield.

The 27-year-old shot-stopper - rated as one of the best in the Premier League - will stay with the Reds until at least June 2016.

'I'm delighted to sign a new contract. It's probably the best news of my life that I'll be here for the next six years. Me and my family are really happy here, he told the club's official website.

'To play for Liverpool is very special. I've been here for five years and now I will be here for six more and it's very exciting.'

Reina moved to the Reds from Villarreal in 2005 and said his family have adjusted well to life on Merseyside, which was one of his main considerations when agreeing a new deal.

'It's very important that my family love it here as well, as family life is just as important as my career,' he continued.

'My wife told me from the beginning she was more than happy here. My kids enjoy it and they have picked up the scouse accent already. I am really proud of that.

'In the years ahead they will speak much more scouse too.'

Reina is expected to go to the World Cup this summer as Spain's second- or third-choice goalkeeper behind Real Madrid's Iker Casillas, although some Iberian pundits have speculated the Liverpool star's hopes of starting for his country are impeded somewhat by playing abroad.

He joins fellow Liverpool stars Steven Gerrard, Fernando Torres, Daniel Agger and Dirk Kuyt in committing his long-term future to the club.

Benfica Boss Jorge Jesus: Liverpool Scoreline Was Harsh On Us

Benfica’s Europa League dreams are over after being humbled 4-1 by Liverpool at Anfield on Thursday evening, although coach Jorge Jesus doesn’t believe that result did his side justice.

After defeating the Reds 2-1 in Lisbon last week, the Portuguese had genuine hopes of progressing to the semi-finals, but first half goals from Dirk Kuyt and Lucas Leiva quickly had the game running away from the guests.

After the interval, Liverpool continued to find the net, with Fernando Torres grabbing a brace that sandwiched Oscar Cardozo’s sole response from the guests.

“From the second goal, we have sought to reduce the gap and we ended up losing goals,” Jorge Jesus told the press after the game.

“Physically, some of my players had trouble keeping up with the speed of the Liverpool players.

“I think the result is a slight exaggeration of what happened, but it also reflects a very strong team from Liverpool, who have more experience, who have played with the score.”

Os Gloriosos must now focus on their domestic campaign, which looks likely to end with a 32nd league title.

Daniel Agger Hails Fernando Torres As One Of The World's Best Players

Liverpool defender Daniel Agger believes that Fernando Torres has shown once again just why he is one of the best players in the world after bagging a brace against Benfica on Thursday evening.

The Spaniard's two goals helped the Reds to an emphatic 4-1 win over the Portuguese side and put Rafael Benitez's men through to the last four of the Europa League.

Agger, slotting in as an emergency left-back on the night, was in awe of his colleague's display.

"Fernando was very impressive," the Dane told his club's official website.

"He proved again he's one of the best in the world. It's really difficult to compare players, but the way he has played this season has been unbelievable.

"Even when he doesn't have a great game he scores goals and that shows what a good player he is.

"He can come out of nowhere and get us a goal and that's what the team needs."

Agger also confirmed that the Reds players are now very keen to win the competition and add their own little bit of history to the club's traditions.

"Now we just have to focus on the semi-final but we are aiming to get to the final. You have to try to win trophies - that's what we play for," he explained.

"Not everyone succeeds but at least you have to try to give your best, otherwise there's no point playing football.

"We want to create our own history. That's what we are working for every day."

Rafael Benitez Praises Lucas Leiva And Aims For Europa League Final

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has praised his side after they beat Benfica 4-1 on Thursday to progress to the Europa League semi-finals.

The quarter-final second leg tie at Anfield saw goals from Dirk Kuyt, Lucas Leiva and a brace from Fernando Torres as the Reds progress past the Portuguese giants, who pulled one back through Oscar Cardozo.

Benitez singled out Lucas for particular praise for the emphatic result, and is aiming to arrive in the final against familiar opposition.

"To be in the semi-final of a European competition is really good for us," Benitez told reporters.

"Hopefully now we can see Fulham in the final because it would be good to have two English teams there. The performance of the team pleased me most.

"Everyone played really well but especially Lucas. We try to win every game. If we can get to the final and win the final then I will be really pleased but we must target both that and finishing in the top four."

Attention must now turn to the Premier League, where a top four finish is the aim for the club. Coincidentally, their next opponents are fellow Europa League semi-finalists Fulham.

Daniel Agger Happy To Fill In At Left-Back For Liverpool During Europa League Win Over Benfica

Liverpool defender Daniel Agger feels that he handled the unfamilar role of left-back well against Benfica during the Reds' Europa League victory at Anfield on Thursday night.

Rafael Benitez's men reached the last four of the competition after two goals from Fernando Torres and strikes from Lucas and Dirk Kuyt helped them win the quarter-final second leg 4-1, giving them a 5-3 aggregate victory.

Agger filled in on the left side of the defence in place of the injured Emiliano Insua and the Dane felt that he handled the test well.

"I thought I did okay at left-back and was happy to play in that position for the team," the defender told his club's official website.

"It's always difficult when you change positions but I had a job to do and did my best. It was a good experience and I enjoyed it."

Liverpool now face Atletico Madrid in the semi-finals of the competition.

Agger insists that the Reds go into the tie full of confidence and feeling that they can now beat anyone and win the trophy.

"We want to get to the final and it doesn't matter who we play," he added.

"We have to be confident against any side we play. We stuck together and we played well and deserved to beat Benfica.

"We are happy that the second leg is at Anfield and it’s always special to play at Anfield on any occasion, not just a European night."

Boss On Agger Display

Rafael Benitez praised the commitment of Daniel Agger after the Dane was deployed in an unfamiliar left-back role against Benfica on Thursday.

Emiliano Insua's suspension and an injury to Fabio Aurelio meant Benitez was forced to utilise the defender as a makeshift full-back in the 4-1 triumph over the Portuguese side - and the boss was delighted with his accomplished display.

"I am really pleased with Agger because he was really good against Benfica in a different position," he said.

"For all centre-backs, especially if they are big, it is not easy to play as a full-back, but we were talking with Daniel and practising in the training sessions.

"When you have a player with his commitment, it is really good for the team."

Agent Insists Juventus Have Not Made Contact With Liverpool Boss Rafael Benitez

Rafael Benitez’s representative has reiterated there is no truth in press reports suggesting that Italian giants Juventus have made the Liverpool manager their top target.

Juve are expected to part with caretaker coach Alberto Zaccheroni at the end of the season and Benitez is said to be favourite to take over at the Olimpico.

But agent Manuel Garcia Quilon told Calciomercato.it: “I know nothing about it. I’ve had no contact with Juventus. Rafa has still four years left on his contract with Liverpool, and there is nothing else to add.”

Sources in Italy claim that Juve will search for a new goalkeeper next summer as they might release Italy international Gianluigi Buffon and Quilon also represents the interests of Villarreal shot-stopper Diego Lopez, who has been linked with the Bianconeri in the past.

“Villarreal have not received any offers,” said the agent. “He is one of the best goalkeepers in Europe. Should a good offer come in, for both the club and the player, he could leave.”

Liverpool Owners Tom Hicks And George Gillett Consider Stepping Aside

Liverpool co-owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett are considering appointing an independent chairman at Anfield and have sounded out leading business figures, including British Airways chairman Martin Broughton, about taking on the role, Telegraph Sport can disclose.

The appointment of an independent chairman is understood to be one of a number of options discussed by the Americans during three days of substantive talks with their advisers in London.

Hicks and Gillett co-chair the Liverpool board but are considering stepping aside in favour of a well-respected independent figure. Such a move would make sense if they were successful in finding a minority investor to help reduce the £237 million debt, but it is understood they will consider standing down even if they do not sell a stake in the club.

While they would still remain in control of Liverpool, a figure of the stature of Broughton would increase their appeal to potential investors and draw some of the sting from criticism of the Americans' stewardship of the club.

It is unclear if Broughton would be interested in the role or have time to do it, given the pressures BA is under. As well as the industrial dispute with the cabin crew’s union, Unite, the airline is closing on a merger with Spanish national carrier Iberia.

Broughton, who joined BA in 2004, has considerable sporting pedigree, having chaired the British Horseracing Board from 2004-07. He was chairman of British American Tobacco when it launched the BAR Formula One team and he has taken an interest in the 2012 Olympic project.

Hicks and Gillett arrived in London on Tuesday and have held talks with advisers, including respected City lawyers Freshfields Bruckhaus, before travelling to Anfield for the Europa League tie against Benfica. They are thought to be considering a range of options, from selling a minority stake to the outright disposal of the club.

The discussions are taking place ahead of the looming summer deadline for the owners to re-finance Liverpool's £237 million debts with banks RBS and Wachovia. RBS, the principal lender, has requested that the owners reduce the debt by £100 million ahead of the June 31 deadline.

With that in mind club managing director Christian Purslow, Rothschilds and Merrill Lynch, the advisers retained by Gillett and Hicks, respectively, have been engaged in a global search for third-party investment for months.

Hicks's presence in London suggests the talks are significant. He has often delegated responsibility for negotiations to senior figures in his family company Hicks Holdings, including former executive vice-president Casey Coffman, who dealt with Rafael Benitez's contract talks last year and joined the Liverpool board after Tom Hicks Jnr.'s resignation.

Coffman, who is still listed as a director at Anfield, has recently left the Hicks group to take up a senior role at Madison Square Garden in New York, however, leaving Hicks to take a more hands-on role.

Purslow has previously said that five or six interested parties are still in play and sources have suggested that some of these are interested in a deal to buy the whole club. Any buyer is likely to wait and see if Liverpool qualify for the Champions League before closing any deal, however.

The Rhone Group, a New York-based private equity fund, tabled a £105 million bid for a 40 per cent stake in the club last month, but a deadline for the deal to be accepted passed on Monday.

The price, as ever, will make or break any deal. Hicks and Gillett have previously maintained that any investor or buyer would have to pay a price that reflected Liverpool's potential increase in value after the new Anfield, which is yet to leave the drawing board, is built.

Match Report: Liverpool 4 - 1 Benfica

Fernando Torres struck twice as Liverpool produced a devastating attacking performance to power past Benfica into the Europa League semi-finals tonight.

Dirk Kuyt and Lucas were also on target on a pulsating night at Anfield as the Reds overturned a 2-1 deficit from the first leg of their quarter-final tie.

Their first-leg nemesis Oscar Cardozo threatened to make life difficult with a goal that made it 3-1 on the night but Torres' second delightful finish ended the contest.

It was a performance that came in marked contrast to Liverpool's struggles in the Barclays Premier League and their increasingly forlorn attempts to finish fourth.

They left the field frustrated after being held at Birmingham on Saturday but, after a slow start, their determination to progress in this competition soon became obvious.

They made two changes from the weekend, the key one being the deployment of first-leg goalscorer Daniel Agger in the unfamiliar role of left-back due to Emiliano Insua's suspension.

Jamie Carragher and Sotirios Kyrgiakos started in central defence while Javier Mascherano replaced the ineligible Maxi Rodriguez.

Torres, who was controversially substituted at Birmingham to rest a knee injury, showed worrying signs of discomfort in the early stages.

His mobility was not helped by a crude early challenge from Sidnei and that set the tone for a night of rough treatment for the Spaniard, who had clearly been identified as the dangerman.

Benfica actually started the stronger and had an early opportunity after Carragher pushed the charging Pablo Aimar over on the edge of the box.

Angel di Maria's free-kick went straight into the wall and was put behind for a corner.

Liverpool took time to find their stride and it was not until the 15th minute that they worried Benfica as Steven Gerrard's whipped free-kick was headed behind by Amorim.

Gerrard then fired in a cross for Torres but the striker, who headed straight at Julio Cesar anyway, was offside.

Torres had another chance from a Glen Johnson cross but his glancing header went wide.

The Reds were taking charge and although Benfica continued to look dangerous on the break, they carried the greater threat.

They levelled the tie in the 27th minute after Yossi Benayoun won a corner on the left.

Gerrard delivered a perfect cross for Dirk Kuyt from the resulting set-piece and the Dutchman firmly headed home from six yards.

A moment of confusion followed as the goal initially appeared to have been disallowed as the assistant referee on the far side flagged for offside.

Liverpool protested and the referee and additional assistant behind the goal agreed the goal should stand.

With an away goal in the bank, that gave the Reds the edge overall but they had the momentum and wanted more.

They followed up with a second goal six minutes later as Gerrard slipped the often-maligned Lucas in on goal with a superb ball.

The Brazilian showed great composure to swerve around Cesar and tap in his first goal in 11 months.

The job was far from done, however, and Liverpool survived a couple of scares before the break as Cardozo fired a free-kick at Jose Reina and Sidnei had a shot deflected for a corner.

But Benfica captain Luisao almost handed Liverpool another goal early in the second half.

Kuyt won possession on the right and fed Gerrard, who delivered a low ball across the box.

Luisao slid in to make the interception but lost control and needed Cesar to palm it away.

Liverpool's deserved third arrived just before the hour from a swift counter-attack.

Lucas was struck between the legs as the Reds defended a free-kick inside their own half and left their colleague in pain as they charged downfield.

Benayoun raced into the Benfica half and spread the ball wide for Kuyt, whose first-time cross was swept in by the onrushing Torres.

The atmosphere at this point was raucous, but anxiety soon set in as Benfica pulled one back on 70 minutes after Kuyt fouled Ramires on the edge of the area.

Cardozo, who scored two penalties in the first leg, blasted in a low shot through a gap in the wall.

Benayoun conceded another free-kick in a similar position for tripping the same player four minutes later but this time Cardozo's curling effort flew narrowly wide.

The Reds battled on and showed the resolve to kill off the tie eight minutes from time.

Lucas won the ball in midfield with a powerful challenge and Mascherano sent Torres clear with a brilliant pass.

Torres made no mistake as he raced into the area and clipped the ball over substitute goalkeeper Moreira - a replacement for the injured Cesar just moments earlier - with delicate poise.

Liverpool could at last breathe easily and took off Torres, Gerrard and Benayoun in the closing minutes.

Liverpool Boss Rafael Benitez Fears For His Future

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has reawakened doubts about his commitment to Liverpool by expressing his deep disappointment that a move to refinance the club's large debts has seemingly fallen through.

Recently, Benitez was outspoken about reports that the New York-based Rhône Group's offer of £150m has apparently been rejected by the club. "If we don't have new investors its will be difficult to go one step further," the Liverpool manager said. "For six months I was really optimistic, especially about this group, because they were one of the groups who were there," he added. "But they are not there now. The Rhône Group is not there."

"I have heard a lot of talk about investors for six months," Benitez added. "I have had some talks myself with possible investors and still we are here and working hard but without confirmation." Liverpool are unwilling to discuss whether the Rhône offer has been withdrawn, though it has, with the current owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett's reluctance to cede overall control seemingly the stumbling block.

Benitez also agreed with striker Fernando Torres' frank assessment of his team's failings. Torres has claimed that a spate of summer departures meant "everything got messed up" for them this season. A draw at Birmingham on Sunday has left them sixth, four points adrift of that all-important Champions League-qualifying position, having played a game more than both Manchester City in fourth and Tottenham in fifth.

Benitez concedes his squad needs major investment this summer to force its way back among the title contenders. The Spaniard said: "I agree with Fernando about a lot of things. He talks about it being a pity we finished with 86 points last year and we couldn't progress.

"We need to sign some players; we need to bring some money. We need an investor and then we can challenge in a better way. The players are working so hard and they feel they can do more.

"Fernando the other day [at Birmingham], he was feeling really tired. He was trying and the other players were trying but while we don't have the investor it will be difficult to go one step forward."

Dirk Kuyt Desperate To Win Europa League With Liverpool

Liverpool forward Dirk Kuyt is desperate to win a trophy during his time at Anfield and become a part of the club's great history.

"If you speak about my desire, I am desperate to win a trophy here at Liverpool Football Club," the Dutchman told reporters at a press conference on Merseyside on Thursday.

"I know the history of the club; I know how many things they won in the past, so I want to be part of that history. I have come very close (to winning something) in the past with my team-mates, but it wasn't good enough - but hopefully it will be this season.

"It's always frustrating if you can't achieve the things you want, but at the end of the day you have to look forward and think positively.

"If you look backwards and think about the negatives, you can forget this trophy as well. We will look forward, we are desperate to win it and want to keep playing in the same way we have in the last few games at Anfield.

"It makes us all very hungry. I am not the only one who hasn't won a trophy here at Liverpool, so we are all working very hard every day to achieve this.

"Like I said, things aren't going the way we thought they would this season, but we are still in contention for a trophy and we are really up for it."

Benitez: Winning Europa League Crucial To Liverpool FC's Hopes Of Investment

Liverpool FC manager Rafa Benitez believes a strong finish to the season is crucial to the club’s future.

Benitez admits the club need major investment to force their way back amongst the Premier League title contenders after a disappointing campaign.

The poor state of Liverpool FC’s finances - and the consequent lack of transfer funds - has been a recurring issue over the past two years.

Benitez hopes winning the Europa League and qualifying for next season’s Champions League will draw in potential new investors.

He said: "We have to invest. If we want to move forward we need money, we need investors, because the market is very expensive.

"The players are working very hard, you cannot ask for more from them, but we have to stick together now, try to progress in the Europa League and try to finish fourth in the Premier League.

"Working hard at the moment is the only way we can show that we want to progress.

"It is clear if we are winning trophies it is easier for anyone.

"We have been in the Champions League for six years in a row. Thanks to this the club still has the big name it has had in the past.

"We are bringing in a lot of money playing in Europe. We want to be there and then it will be easier for investors to see the club has an opportunity."

Liverpool FC’s chances of finishing fourth in the Barclays Premier League are looking increasingly slim.

They are sixth in the table, four points adrift of that crucial Champions League-qualifying position, having played a game more than Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur who are both ahead of them in the race for fourth.

Maxi Rodriguez Keen For 'Inspirational' Javier Mascherano To Sign New Deal At Liverpool

Argentinian Liverpool winger Maxi Rodriguez wants his compatriot Javier Mascherano to ink a new contract at Anfield soon because the team need his inspirational qualities.

Mascherano is in negotaitions with the Reds currently and is expected to sign a new deal eventually.

Rodriguez believes his fellow-countryman is also keen to commit his future to the club.

"Javier is a fantastic player and when he signs his contract it will be great news for the club," Maxi told the Reds' official website.

"He is also fantastic to have in the dressing room and he is an inspiration.

"He loves playing for Liverpool in front of these wonderful supporters and is very happy to play for the club for a long time to come."

Rodriguez himself is very content at Liverpool following his January move from Atletico Madrid.

"From my first day here I felt very comfortable and I have settled in extremely well," he added.

"For me the team is the most important thing and I always try my best to help Liverpool.

"I don't mind if I play on the left or right side of midfield as I am comfortable in both positions."

Dutch Wonderkid Admits It Would Be A 'Dream' To Join Liverpool

Feyenoord wonderkid Georginio Wijnaldum has admitted it would be a "dream" to move to Liverpool.

Dutch midfielder Wijnaldum, 19, has caught the eye of Liverpool's scouts this season with Feyenoord demanding around £5million.

Wijnaldum said: "It's my dream to play in a big league and England would be the perfect choice. To follow in the footsteps of Dirk Kuyt would be sensational. He triumphed at Feyenoord and has had great success at Liverpool."

Wijnaldum has played 28 games for Feyenoord this season, scoring three goals and is being tipped as a future star of Dutch football.

Spartak Slam Riera Salary Demands

Spartak Moscow coach Valery Karpin claims Alberto Riera's proposed £5 million switch from Liverpool fell through because the winger demanded too much money.

Riera found himself in the Anfield doghouse after describing Liverpool as a "sinking ship", comments the Spaniard has since backtracked on, and was eager to secure a move to the Russian league before their transfer window shut on April 8.

Two weeks ago it appeared that the outspoken 27-year-old would join Karpin's Spartak, but the deal collapsed.

"I can tell you why the transfer didn't happen," Karpin told the Daily Mail. "Riera wanted to go to Spartak to hit the jackpot. We made him understand that this wouldn't happen with us.

"I can say there will be no acquisitions before the transfer window closes."

Riera, who last appeared as a substitute during Liverpool's 1-0 defeat in Lille on March 11, now faces the tough task of winning back the trust of manager Rafael Benitez.

England Soccer Player Gerrard To Open Restaurant

England soccer player and Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has bought a share in his favorite local restaurant with an eye to turning it into a New York-style hipster bar.

Gerrard is joining forces with restaurateur Paul Adams to relaunch the Warehouse Brasserie (www.warehousekitchenandbar.com) in Southport just north of Liverpool, Gerrard and Adams said in a statement emailed to Reuters.

The venue, which boasts a Michelin Bib Gourmand, is undergoing a major refurbishment before re-opening just ahead of this summer's World Cup as the Warehouse Kitchen & Bar.

"I've been eating there for years because I love the food and the atmosphere, so it's genuinely exciting to become its co-owner with Paul," Gerrard said in the statement.

The design and theme of the restaurant is being kept a closely guarded secret but has taken its inspiration from the new wave of "hipster bars" popular in New York's Tribeca district, the statement said.

Gerrard said he wanted to be more than just the celebrity face of the restaurant.

"This is my first venture in the restaurant trade but I think it's important to also say that my priorities are, and always will be, on the football pitch," he said.

Football Finance Expert David Bick Explains Why Failure To Reach Champions League Would Leave Liverpool In Big Trouble

There is so much speculation surrounding Liverpool's finances at the moment, it is hard to know where to turn. You hear so many whispers and rumours that you wonder what to believe.

The idea that the mooted interest from the Rhone Group, a US-based private equity firm, was merely a ‘stalking horse’ is interesting. This sort of thing goes on in business, as you would expect, so it is likely to happen in football. The idea with this is to flush out any genuinely interested buyers by playing up interest from another party. Whether it works or not is another matter.

Without wishing to just pluck numbers from the sky, investment in Liverpool – when you factor in the stadium and squad enhancements – could be anything between £500 million and £1 billion. That is the reality of the situation at the moment.

What does surprise me is the mention of the concrete deadline of April 6 for fresh investors. Now it appears that this has been changed from a 'deadline' into a ‘guideline’. But don’t forget that another re-financing deal is due with the Royal Bank of Scotland in July, and this is almost entirely dependent on Liverpool qualifying for the Champions League, which at the moment is uncertain at best.

If Liverpool - under the ownership of Tom Hicks and George Gillett - do miss out on the Champions League, I think they are in big trouble, as I simply can’t see how they can meet their interest repayments.

That is why the deadline of Easter for fresh investment seemed a little strange; why would any would-be investor get involved at this stage of proceedings, when everything is still up in the air on-the-pitch? Surely they would wait until the summer.

As to whether Champions League football is really important from an investor’s point of view, it is hard to say. Of course any investor will want the lowest possible price, and it could be that investing in a club that is not in the Champions League enables that.

But then if you invest into a club that has fallen out of the Champions League for a season, you need to weigh up whether it is a long-term thing, and how much it will cost to get back in there. Liverpool would obviously need serious spending on the playing side of things, and that is without even mentioning the new stadium.

A lot of people have almost forgotten about the new stadium when they talk investment with Liverpool, with everyone focusing on the debt side of things. The new stadium, on Stanley Park or anywhere else, is going to be a huge cost, even more so than clearing the debts.

Let’s be clear on this; anyone who is looking into Liverpool as an investor is doing so because of the name and the prestige of the club. A club like Newcastle, for instance, may have its merits from an investment point of view – a hefty 50,000-seater stadium for example – but in terms of prestige Liverpool and Newcastle are worlds apart, and that goes for the amount of investment that both clubs would require.

Europa League Preview: Liverpool vs. Benfica

One goal down and with a place in the Europa League semi-finals at stake, Liverpool will be desperate to reverse the damage done in Portugal last week as they play host to Benfica.

A pair of second-half penalties from Oscar Cardozo gave the Eagles the first-leg spoils, but Daniel Agger's back-heeled opener in Lisbon means the Reds remain well and truly in this tie.

The Anfield giants' form is not all that encouraging, and nor was captain Steven Gerrard's much-publicised reaction to the surprise substitution of Fernando Torres at St Andrews.

With a top-four finish in the Premier League now looking only a remote possibility, Rafael Benitez and his men will be all the more determined to progress in Europe - but they face an opponent which has the smell of silverware in its nostrils.

Benfica already have the Taca da Liga under their belts and are closing on their first league title since 2005, and wouldn't they love to emphasise their return to the top by clinching a treble with a win in the inaugural Europa League?

That is but a dream for now, but Portugal's greatest club can take one step closer by reminding everyone that they know how to close out a tie against English opposition - for it was they who ended Liverpool's Champions League defence in 2006, after all.

FORM GUIDE

Liverpool

Apr 4: Birmingham City 1-1 Liverpool (Premier League)
Apr 1: Benfica 2-1 Liverpool (Europa League)
Mar 28: Liverpool 3-0 Sunderland (Premier League)
Mar 21: Manchester United 2-1 Liverpool (Premier League)
Mar 18: Liverpool 3-0 Lille (Europa League)

Benfica

Apr 5: Naval 2-4 Benfica (Portuguese Liga)
Apr 1: Benfica 2-1 Liverpool (Europa League)
Mar 27: Benfica 1-0 Braga (Portuguese Liga)
Mar 18: Olympique Marseille 1-2 Benfica (Europa League)
Mar 14: Nacional 0-1 Benfica (Portuguese Liga)

TEAM NEWS

Liverpool

Ryan Babel is unavailable after the Dutch winger received a highly controversial red card for his 'confrontation' with Luisao in the first leg. Left-back Emiliano Insua is also out of the tie after receiving a yellow card in the first leg.

Maxi Rodriguez is ineligible for the competition, while Alberto Aquilani (ankle), Martin Skrtel (foot), Fabio Aurelio (thigh) and Martin Kelly (knee) are injured.

Last starting XI (vs. Birmingham City): Reina, Johnson, Carragher, Kyrgiakos, Insua, Lucas, Gerrard, Maxi, Kuyt, Benayoun, Torres.

Benfica

Javier Saviola missed last week's clash at the Estadio da Luz through injury, and it has been confirmed that the Argentine forward will take no part in the return date at Anfield.

Strikers Weldon - who scored twice on Monday night - and Mantorras have also remained in Lisbon.

Last starting XI (vs. Naval): Quim, Pereira, Luisao, Luiz, Coentrao, Javi Garcia, Amorim, Aimar, Di Maria, Cardozo, Weldon.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Liverpool - Fernando Torres

The Reds need goals to go through, and this is the man most likely to provide them. The Spaniard has been left frustrated on his last two outings, and he will want to show his gaffer that he can be a danger every minute he's on the pitch.

Benfica - Angel di Maria

Cardozo may have put the ball in the net, but it was Di Maria who caused all the problems in the first leg. His pace, sharp turn and wicked left foot were all in evidence, and they will have to be once more if the Argentine is to help his side into the final four.

Liverpool Boss Rafael Benitez Looking To Avenge European Defeats To Benfica

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez is confident his side can avenge the 2006 Champions League elimination to Benfica when they take on the Portuguese giants in the Europa League quarter-final on Thursday.

The Reds lost 2-1 at the Estadio da Luz in the first leg last week, and must overturn the deficit at Anfield to progress to the semi-final stage.

When quizzed on Liverpool's previous elimination at the hands of Benfica in the Champions League, Benitez was keen to point out that his side are in a much better position than four years ago, when a 1-0 loss in Portugal was followed by a 2-0 reversal at Anfield.

"The situation is totally different," Benitez told reporters.

"We've scored an away goal and we've got a much better squad now, so hopefully we can manage in a better way.

"They have balance. They can attack and defend well and they have confidence, so it'll be tough for us.

"But we are doing well at home, especially in the last games. So we know Benfica are a good team but we have confidence we can beat them.

"It's an opportunity we have to win silverware. It'll be important for all the people here, the fans and the club. So we'll try to do our best."

Benitez is anticipating a trademark European night atmosphere at Anfield.

"I hope so," he said.

"The fans know backing the team is the biggest way to get a result, so they will be behind the players."