Liverpool returns to the city where it won the 2005 Champions League title on Wednesday needing a victory in Istanbul to avoid an early exit from this season's competition.
The five-time European champions, who have just one point from their opening two matches, could be in danger of failing to reach the group stage if they falter against Besiktas.
"We need to go there and try to win because we need three points," Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez said Tuesday.
Liverpool's chances won't be helped by the absence of star striker Fernando Torres, who hasn't recovered from a thigh injury.
After losing in last May's final to AC Milan, the team it beat for the title in 2005, Liverpool is off to a woeful start to this season's campaign and is third in Group A.
A 1-1 draw at FC Porto in September was followed earlier this month by a dire 2-0 defeat to Marseille at Anfield.
"It is difficult," Benitez said. "We will see what happens in the other game (between Porto and Marseille), just wait and keep working, thinking about winning every game."
Besiktas, though, has lost both its matches and is winless in the Champions League in almost four years.
Besiktas coach Ertugrul Saglam will watch from the stands as he serves a one-match ban. Saglam was punished by UEFA for being sent from the dugout in Besiktas' 1-0 loss to FC Porto.
Benitez said the hostile atmosphere which usually greets visiting English teams in Istanbul can't be used as an excuse.
"We have enough experience in Europe," the Spaniard said before Liverpool flew to Turkey. "I don't think it will be a big problem."
With four matches remaining, the Reds need to start drawing inspiration from their unbeaten start in the domestic league, capped by Saturday's 2-1 victory at crosstown rival Everton.
Liverpool is fourth in the Premier League, six points adrift of leader Arsenal.
But the derby victory was clouded by Steven Gerrard's anger at being substituted in the 70th minute - before Dirk Kuyt's winner.
"I was hurt and disappointed at being taken off because," the captain said. "I'm a local lad and the derby means everything to me."
Benitez insists there is no lingering rift.
"As a manager you need to make decisions in a moment," Benitez said. "You can understand the reaction because it is a derby and special. But for me, Steve is our key player so I think everything will be the same in terms of if I need to use him."
And Benitez won't be afraid to drag the England midfielder off the pitch again.
"After talking with him, he knows my idea," Benitez said. "If I need to replace him he knows that I am thinking about what is best for the team."
Midfielder Xabi Alonso is in contention for Wednesday's match after recovering from a foot injury.
The five-time European champions, who have just one point from their opening two matches, could be in danger of failing to reach the group stage if they falter against Besiktas.
"We need to go there and try to win because we need three points," Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez said Tuesday.
Liverpool's chances won't be helped by the absence of star striker Fernando Torres, who hasn't recovered from a thigh injury.
After losing in last May's final to AC Milan, the team it beat for the title in 2005, Liverpool is off to a woeful start to this season's campaign and is third in Group A.
A 1-1 draw at FC Porto in September was followed earlier this month by a dire 2-0 defeat to Marseille at Anfield.
"It is difficult," Benitez said. "We will see what happens in the other game (between Porto and Marseille), just wait and keep working, thinking about winning every game."
Besiktas, though, has lost both its matches and is winless in the Champions League in almost four years.
Besiktas coach Ertugrul Saglam will watch from the stands as he serves a one-match ban. Saglam was punished by UEFA for being sent from the dugout in Besiktas' 1-0 loss to FC Porto.
Benitez said the hostile atmosphere which usually greets visiting English teams in Istanbul can't be used as an excuse.
"We have enough experience in Europe," the Spaniard said before Liverpool flew to Turkey. "I don't think it will be a big problem."
With four matches remaining, the Reds need to start drawing inspiration from their unbeaten start in the domestic league, capped by Saturday's 2-1 victory at crosstown rival Everton.
Liverpool is fourth in the Premier League, six points adrift of leader Arsenal.
But the derby victory was clouded by Steven Gerrard's anger at being substituted in the 70th minute - before Dirk Kuyt's winner.
"I was hurt and disappointed at being taken off because," the captain said. "I'm a local lad and the derby means everything to me."
Benitez insists there is no lingering rift.
"As a manager you need to make decisions in a moment," Benitez said. "You can understand the reaction because it is a derby and special. But for me, Steve is our key player so I think everything will be the same in terms of if I need to use him."
And Benitez won't be afraid to drag the England midfielder off the pitch again.
"After talking with him, he knows my idea," Benitez said. "If I need to replace him he knows that I am thinking about what is best for the team."
Midfielder Xabi Alonso is in contention for Wednesday's match after recovering from a foot injury.
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