Rafael Benitez Still Thinks Liverpool Can Pull Off Fourth Place and Europa League Double

Rafael Benitez believes that Liverpool still have a chance to end their on a spectacular note by finishing fourth on the Premier League and winning the Europa League.

The Reds scored four times in the second half against Burnley at Turf Moor to move to within two points of fourth-place Tottenham, who hold a game in hand on Liverpool.

Liverpool, Spurs, Manchester City and Aston Villa all sit within two points of the fourth and final Champions League spot in the Premier League.

Benitez believes that his team can beat Atletico Madrid and make it to the Europa League final and despite the amount of teams in contention for fourth place; Benitez believes that the Reds can beat them all and make it into the Champions League

“After four goals away and a clean sheet, you have to have confidence,” Benitez told The Mirror.

“I think we can beat Atletico and be in the final and I think we can get three points in our last two games and have a chance to be in the top four.”

Liverpool will host league leaders Chelsea next Sunday in a massive clash that could decide whether the Blues win the Premier League as three time defending champions Manchester United sit just one point behind the Stamford Bridge side with two games to play.

Rush Re-Signs For Reds

Ian Rush has re-signed for Liverpool, with the Reds legend becoming the Club's new Soccer Schools Ambassador.

Rush, still Liverpool's record goalscorer with 346 strikes in 660 games and now a qualified UEFA pro licence holder, will also work with the Club's commercial team to help develop and support partnerships with other global sponsors and brands.

Ian Ayre, Liverpool FC Commercial Director, said: "Rushie is one of the best known names in world football and I'm delighted he's agreed to work with us. We've invested heavily in the redevelopment of our Soccer Schools business and with his help intend to roll out a global franchising opportunity within the next 12 months.

"We are already in discussion with a number of interested organisations around the world and Ian will work closely with our dedicated team of executives in developing these Soccer Schools opportunities."

Rush said: "I'm thrilled to be involved with the club again and hope the contacts I already have in the football and coaching community will allow us to move forward quickly.

"My role is to provide the technical input into the development of the Soccer Schools program and just as importantly help our business team to assess the quality of the franchised operations and the standard of the courses being offered under the Liverpool badge to kids around the world."

Huang Plays Down Reds Talk

Kenneth Huang has denied speaking to a newspaper about a proposed takeover of Liverpool.

A report in the Sunday Mirror suggested Huang, described as a former Wall Street stockbroker, was leading a consortium who was in advanced negotiations to buy the Merseysiders for £500million.

Co-owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett officially put the club up for sale just over a week ago, having admitted someone else needed to take it to the next level.

However, a statement released on behalf of Huang has distanced the China-based businessman from the claims.

"Mr. Huang would like to clarify that he did not speak with the newspaper and did not make the statements attributed to him," said the statement.

"Mr. Huang would not make any comment in relation to Liverpool FC."

Just over a week ago Benitez's agent Manuel Garcia Quilon claimed an unnamed Chinese investor was interested in taking over the club and had already spoken to the manager about keeping him on next season.

Benitez subsequently denied Quilon's claims.

Match Report: Burnley 0 - 4 Liverpool

Steven Gerrard's second-half brace and further goals from Maxi Rodriguez and Ryan Babel relegated Burnley and kept Liverpool's top-four hopes alive.

Gerrard's first deflected off Burnley defender Leon Cort past Brian Jensen but his second was a fine first-time curling strike from 25-yards out.

Steven Fletcher later hit the post for Burnley with a left-footed half-volley.

Rodriguez fired home from 12-yards after Alberto Aquilani's pass and Ryan Babel beat Jensen when one on one.

The win left Burnley on 27 points, seven points behind West Ham with two matches left to play, while Liverpool remain in seventh but close the gap on fourth-placed Tottenham to two points, though having played a game more.

The victory was Liverpool's first away from Anfield in the league this year and could yet help them seal Champions League football for next season.

With Tottenham losing to Manchester United and Manchester City drawing with Arsenal on Saturday, Liverpool knew they had a great opportunity to close the gap on the teams above them.

Burnley's task was more simple, anything other than a victory would consign them to relegation after just one season in the Premier League.

Liverpool enjoyed the majority of the early possession, but despite a string of Gerrard corners they failed to create one decent chance, with Babel's screwed shot from 20-yards the only real effort of note.

Too often they gave the ball away, more through their own carelessness than Burnley pressure, leading to a disjointed and scrappy game which suited the Clarets.

It took half an hour for the first shot on target and it came from Liverpool's talisman, Gerrard.

Having burst into the box the ball found his path but after a neat swivel and strike from 12-yards, his half half-volley was comfortably saved by Jensen.

Burnley were full of endeavour with Fletcher heading Martin Paterson's right-wing cross from close range over the bar.

More home pressure followed and just before the break an unmarked Jack Cork, on-loan from Chelsea, should have done better when heading Tyrone Mears' right-wing cross straight at Pepe Reina who made a low save.

At the other end, Babel side footed tamely at Jensen when he found himself unmarked at the back post having broken the offside trap.

Liverpool were forced into an early change just after the break with striker Dirk Kuyt, who had been a solitary figure up front, was replaced by Yossi Benayoun.

Soon after, Mears' 20-yard free-kick was well saved by Reina as Burnley's attempts to break the deadlock gained momentum.

But it was Liverpool who got the first goal of the game and, unsurprisingly, it came from Gerrard.

Liverpool's captain played a neat one-two with Benayoun and having cut inside his man he unleashed a right-footed strike from 20-yards which took a huge deflection off Cort before flying past the wrong-footed Jensen and into the corner of the net.

Moments later Gerrard doubled Liverpool's lead with a sublime strike as Burnley's task became that much harder.

Gerrard latched on to Aquilani's knockdown and unleashed a fierce first-time right-footed curling shot from 25-yards which flew into the left-hand corner of Jensen's goal.

Soon after, Nugent tested Reina but his low shot was too tame to beat the Liverpool keeper.

Fletcher's neat turn and shot from the edge of the area was well saved by Reina while at the other end Rodriguez forced a decent stop from Jensen at the foot of his near post.

Fletcher was back in the action again and after controlling a long ball on his chest he was unlucky to see his 12-yard half-volley fly past Reina but bounce back off the post.

Burnley continued to press but Liverpool were that much more clinical and Aquilani's pass superbly opened up the Burnley defence for Maxi to fire right-footed across Jensen into the far corner of the net from 12-yards for 3-0.

And late on there was time for one more with substitute Lucas playing in Babel who beat the offside trap and found himself one on one with Jensen and the Dutchman made no mistake in firing past the Burnley keeper to seal the victory and Burnley's relegation.

Liverpool Willing To Sell Alberto Aquilani For €20m

A report in the News of the World today says Liverpool are willing to sell Italian midfielder Alberto Aquilani if they receive an offer similar to the money they paid Roma last summer.

Aquilani has reportedly become increasingly frustrated at his lack of first team opportunities at Liverpool.

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez failed to use Aquilani from the bench in recent games against West Ham and Atletico Madrid.

Chris Bascombe in the News of the World predicts that Aquilani will wait to see how developments play out at Anfield this summer with Rafa Benitez heavily tipped to leave Liverpool.

In 2009/2010, Alberto Aquilani has played 19 games for Liverpool scoring once and providing three assists.

The Merseyside giants paid 20 million euros for Aquilani last summer and is contracted to Liverpool until the end of season 2013/2014.

Liverpool In Talks For Real Madrid Striker Benzema

Liverpool are moving to trump Manchester United for troubled Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema.

The former Lyon star has failed to settle in Madrid this and been engulfed by troubles off the pitch in his native France.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is a big admirer of Benzema, but Reds rival Rafa Benitez has stolen a march on him by opening serious transfer talks with Real Madrid this week.

Benitez is taking interest in an imminent clear-out at the Bernabeu that will include Rafael Van der Vaart, Lassana Diarra, Benzema, Christoph Metzelder and Royston Drenthe.

Liverpool took the opportunity of travelling to Madrid to hold talks with Real officials about available players and Benitez is believed to have singled out Van der Vaart and Benzema as potential targets.

Liverpool Turn Attentions To Man City Youngster

Rafa Benitez will this summer attempt to nab Manchester City youngster Michael Johnson.

Liverpool hope to persuade the former Everton trainee to leave Eastlands for Anfield in an attempt to resurrect his faltering career.

Injury problems, off field antics and a number of high profile new arrivals have limited the 22 year old to just 36 Premier League starts in four seasons and just three appearances in the last two seasons. Rafa Benitez has been linked with a move for the former England Under 21 star but will apparently make a concerted effort to snap up the talented central midfielder in the summer.

The Anfield boss is hoping that whomever takes over ownership from Tom Hicks and George Gillett will give him money to invest in his playing squad and Benitez is looking to increase his British contingent ahead of incoming Premier League 'homegrown' guidelines.

Johnson is valued at around £12m and Rafa is looking to offload some of his squad members to help fund new additions. Albert Riera,Charles Itandje and Philipp Degen are among those set to leave the club in the summer.

Liverpool Set To Lose Utility Man To AC Milan

AC Milan will attempt to snap up Liverpool's Fabio Aurelio this summer.

The 30 year old Brazilian has been a bit part player since his arrival at Anfield in July 2006 and is ready to run out his deal at the club and listen to offers for his services.

It is unknown whether Rafa Benitez is likely to offer the former Valencia a new deal but even if he does Aurelio is keen on a new challenge and is ready to join the plethora of fellow countrymen at the San Siro.

Injuries, poor form and superior squad alternatives have restricted the left sided player to just 50 Premier League starts in almost four years at the club.

Aurelio's agent has stated that whilst a new deal may be offered to his client he is still very much open to incoming offers and especially ones from clubs who could offer regular first team football.

Valiant Kid Jonjo's Kop Calling

Liverpool are ready to snap up Charlton superkid Jonjo Shelvey in a £2 million-plus move.

The Anfield club hope to tie up a quick deal for the attacking midfielder who has made almost 50 first team appearances for the Valiants, despite being just 18.

Shelvey has been linked with Chelsea and Arsenal since making his big breakthrough and also emerging through the international youth ranks.

However Liverpool - whose moves for top talent is being masterminded by Kenny Dalglish - expect to seal the transfer within weeks.

The gifted Essex boy would follow QPR kid Raheem Sterling to the Kop with the England babe already part of the emerging new-look at Liverpool.

The Merseysiders are also tracking Manchester United's young striker John Cofie as they look to bring in young British talent.

Arsenal Plan Raid For Liverpool Goalkeeper Pepe Reina

According to a report in the Sunday Express, the much-lauded shot-stopper is viewed as an ideal replacement for Manual Almunia and Lukasz Fabianski, after both have failed to impress this season.

Reina has established himself as one of the top keepers in the Premier League since joining Liverpool in 2005, and Reds' chief Rafael Benitez would be fuming if he was forced to offload one of his major assets.

The 27-year-old 'keeper recently penned a long-term deal at Anfield, but the prospect of missing out on Champions League football next season will truly test his commitment.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has been linked with a number of glovemen this summer and Bayer Leverkusen's Rene Adler and Lyon’s Hugo Lloris may prove likelier options.

Reds Suitor Wants Rafa Stay

Chinese businessman Kenneth Huang has revealed he is in talks to buy Liverpool and wants manager Rafa Benitez to remain at Anfield.

Huang is at the head of a consortium interested in ending the ownership deadlock at Anfield and has claimed he has been granted access to the club's accounts by Tom Hicks and George Gillett.

And the former Wall Street broker, who has a huge portfolio of investment interests in Hong Kong and the United States, expects a deal to be in place within the next two months.

Huang, who is working alongside business partner Adrian Cheng on the deal, insists Benitez is at the heart of his £500million master plan and has already contacted the Spaniard to give him assurances about the future in a bid to keep him out of the clutches of Italian giants Juventus.

"Negotiations have taken place over the last few months and we are at a crucial stage," he said in the Sunday Mirror.

"I really hope it turns out to be a successful bid. Right now my audit team is examining the books and my legal team is in close contact with theirs.

"We have a fierce competitor in the Middle East, but it could be finalised in June."

He added: "I was first approached (to buy Liverpool) in 2008 when I was in Singapore attending a Formula One Grand Prix, but the asking price was 1billion US dollars.

"It was totally unreasonable so I turned it down. The asking price has dropped significantly and we are talking again.

"I want Liverpool to win the Champions League and Premier League and I think Benitez is a very good coach."

Fernando Torres: I Fear Long-Term Injury If I Remain In The Premier League

Liverpool striker Fernando Torres is fearful that he will sustain long-term injuries if he keeps playing in the Premier League.

The Spanish international has endured an injury-ridden season and his status for the World Cup this summer could be in doubt as he needs surgery to make certrain he is fit for South Africa.

Torres has scored 18 goals in 22 Premier League games during 2009-10, but injuries have prematurely ended his campaign and he is worried he will suffer frequent stints on the sidelines if he keeps playing in England.

"The Premier League is such a tough competition and I have always admired this championship and the players who are here,” Torres told The News of the World.

"This is my third season and I'm still amazed to see [Steven] Gerrard, [Wayne] Rooney and [Frank] Lampard, players who have been here a long time, still playing at such a high level and with such impressive rhythm because the English league really wears down a player.

"I just can't imagine what state I'll be in within five or six years if I continue to play here - it could easily give me problems when I stop playing. The physical level is superior to all other countries."

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has been linked with a move to Juventus in the summer, but Torres insists his fellow Spaniard is the reason why he came to Anfield.

"The difference between him and my other managers is that when I was at Atletico [Madrid] I was always over-protected," he added.

"Here, Rafa [Benitez] demands a lot and I have to live up to expectations. Some players need to be spoilt and other players like me need to always be pushed, and to have more asked of us.

"If Rafa had not been here I would never have come. He has taught me a lot and he has helped me go beyond my limits and to be the player I am today."

John Toshack Slams Rafael Benitez's Transfer Policy

Liverpool legend John Toshack has criticised Rafael Benitez's dealings in the transfer market and has warned the Spaniard the fans are losing faith in his ability to guide the club to success.

The Wales boss believes the Liverpool boss has squandered huge sums of money on a host of forgettable faces, and has warned him that the Anfield faithful's confidence in him is diminishing.

Despite finishing as runners-up in the Premier League last season, the Reds have been constantly under-performing this term, currently languishing in seventh spot in the league.

“[Rafael] Benitez has maintained his reputation with the fans after winning the Champions League. But they are running out of patience," Toshak told the Daily Mirror.

“His transfer policy leaves a lot to be desired.

“[Xabi] Alonso was a success. It is the same for [Pepe] Reina and [Fernando] Torres, but that’s it. He must have spent more than 300 million euros on players!”

However, Benitez can still bring some silverware to the Merseyside club this season with Liverpool currently in the semi-finals of the Europa League.

Juventus Offer Rafael Benitez £15m A Year

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has reportedly been offered £15 million a year to take over at Juventus, according to the Mail on Sunday.

The newspaper claims that Benitez will be given unlimited funds to attract the world's best players to Turin.

The report also states that the offer also allows him to bring in his own coaching staff as Juventus aim to re-establish themselves as a European and global force.

Such an offer may tempt Benitez who has admitted his frustration at a lack of funds to improve his Liverpool squad this season and has reportedly fallen out with the club's American owners, George Gillett and Tom Hicks.

However, recent rumours have suggested that Benitez will stay at Anfield provided the club can find new investors.

It has been a disappointing campaign for Liverpool and Benitez as the club look set to miss out on a top four finish, and with it, the prospect of Champions League football next season.

Yet the Reds could still end the season with some silverware, courtesy of the Europa League. Benitez's men welcome Atletico Madrid to Anfield for the second leg of the Europa League semi-final on Thursday, needing to overturn a first leg 1-0 deficit

Liverpool And Rafael Benítez Stuck In Limbo Until The Club Is Sold

It is amazing how quickly ambitions recede and goals diminish. Liverpool, title contenders at the season’s start, are now faced with the challenge of trying to qualify for the Europa League next season. Not exactly dignified.

The Europa League, like methadone, may only be a pallid substitute but it’s better than nothing. Starting with Burnley on Sunday afternoon, Rafael Benítez knows his side must secure qualification via the league or be faced with the task of winning the thing just to be able to take part in European competition next season.

Liverpool are four points clear of Everton in seventh – all that is needed for Europa qualification after Portsmouth’s exclusion was upheld – but have to play Chelsea next week.

“It’s always important to be in the Champions League or the Europa League, both for the image of the club and for the money,” Benítez said.

“Yes, the image would suffer if we missed out on the Europa League, but sometimes you never know what is best. We will try to win the competition, try to be there and if not, we will get ready for the next challenge.”

The image of the club. That’s a pretty tough thing to define at the moment. In their current state, Liverpool are a provisional club. Even the short-term future is obscure. We don’t know who will own the club, who will manage it or who will be playing for it.

As those three factors are interdependent the picture will only become clearer if there is a radical change. This is a club at the end of a cycle and this season’s last four (or five if they reach the Europa League final in Hamburg) fixtures are the anticlimactic endgame. Or that’s what you must hope.

The worst-case scenario for Liverpool is that an overly optimistic valuation of the club, by Tom Hicks in particular, will deter investors and force the club to limp into another campaign without the means to compete.

Benítez has made it clear he needs four or more high-quality players. If he doesn’t get that investment the “next challenge” he spoke of will be another club.

Juventus clearly want Benítez to be their next manager. In many ways they are Liverpool’s Italian echo: the nation’s most successful club fallen out of their domestic elite and facing the commercial desert of exile from the Champions League. Unlike Liverpool, though, Juventus have money to invest and Benítez might see it as the best venue to rehabilitate a damaged reputation.

What consequences Benitez’s departure would have on the playing staff is intriguing. Roberto Mancini made the mistake of publicly declaring his admiration for Fernando Torres last week – that’s a long way from any sort of deal being done. Torres is a year into a four-year contract, which he signed last summer, and there has been no formal approach from Manchester City. It would take a degree of agitation on Torres’s part if he were to leave – perhaps Benitez’s departure would provoke that.

The case of Javier Mascherano is also interesting. The Argentina captain has been close to signing a new contract for some time now but it has somewhat curiously stalled again. Bets being hedged? “We were very close but I don’t know if there are changes,” Benítez said. “I don’t know if something has changed since the last time I was talking to him, which was maybe three or four days ago. I still expect him to sign. He is happy so hopefully he can stay.”

Even Liverpool’s transfer plans have been put into stasis. “The priority now is to prepare the team properly for our next game and then we will have plenty of time to prepare transfers,” Benítez said. Everyone is waiting for something to happen.

In the short term, Benítez has the task of lifting his drained players for Sunday’s game. After their long haul to Madrid via planes, trains and automobiles and their sapping defeat in the Vicente Calderón once they finally got there, it will not be easy to restore the freshness to this team. “They will be a little bit tired but that happens sometimes,” Benítez said. “We will work very hard with them, the medical staff, the fitness coaches, everyone is working very hard to recover the players quickly.” Just a few more games to go. Then, finally, the clouds over Liverpool should begin to part.

Premier League Preview: Burnley vs. Liverpool

Burnley play host to Liverpool this weekend in the knowledge that defeat could see them officially dumped from the Premier League.

After a promising start to their first top-flight campaign in over three decades, the Clarets now sit second from bottom with three games remaining - one point behind Hull City, who could move further clear with a result at home to Sunderland.

However, the crucial clash for Brian Laws and his charges is West Ham United's Saturday match with Wigan Athletic at Upton Park. A win for the Hammers would confirm Burnley's immediate return to the Championship.

There is a real chance the Lancashire outfit will be playing for pride alone when Rafael Benitez's road-weary Reds come to town on Sunday afternoon.

The trip to Turf Moor will seem like a skip to the shops for Liverpool after their 1,200 mile overland trek for their Europa League clash with Atletico Madrid in midweek, which the visitors lost 1-0.

Nevertheless, all the talk from Anfield has stressed that there can be no excuses for a sluggish performance this weekend, as they look to keep alive their slim chances of finishing in the top four.

The Merseyside giants - runners-up in the league last season - are hanging back in seventh place, five points behind a Tottenham Hotspur side who have a game in hand and Champions League football within their grasp.

Three points is an absolute must for 'Pool, although their recent record away from home - four goals in ten league games - doesn't bode well. The fact that they have won at Burnley just once in their last nine attempts in all competitions is another worrying statistic they will want to alter.

FORM GUIDE

Liverpool

Apr 22: Atletico Madrid 1-0 Liverpool (Europa League)
Apr 19: Liverpool 3-0 West Ham United (Premier League)
Apr 11: Liverpool 0-0 Fulham (Premier League)
Apr 8: Liverpool 4-1 Benfica (Europa League)
Apr 4: Birmingham City 1-1 Liverpool (Premier League)

Burnley

Apr 17: Sunderland 2-1 Burnley (Premier League)
Apr 10: Hull City 1-4 Burnley (Premier League)
Apr 3: Burnley 1-6 Manchester City (Premier League)
Mar 28: Burnley 0-1 Blackburn Rovers (Premier League)
Mar 20: Wigan Athletic 1-0 Burnley (Premier League)

TEAM NEWS

Burnley

Clarke Carlisle is the major concern for the hosts. The defender twisted his ankle in training during the week and looks all but certain to sit out this weekend.

David Nugent is also a doubt after missing training on Friday, but the striker should return on Saturday and is expected to make the matchday squad.

Last starting XI (vs. Sunderland): Jensen; Mears, Duff, Cort, Fox; Eagles, Alexander, Cork, Elliot, Paterson; Fletcher.

Liverpool

Will the striking dilemmas never cease for Rafa? With Fernando Torres out for the season after knee surgery, fill-in forward David Ngog - who scored against West Ham - is now struggling with a back problem and could be shelved pending fitness tests on Saturday.

Defenders Emiliano Insua, Fabio Aurelio, Martin Skrtel and Martin Kelly are all out injured, but midfielder Maxi Rodriguez is available after being ineligible for Europa League duty.

Last starting XI (vs. Atletico Madrid): Reina; Johnson, Carragher, Kyrgiakos, Agger; Mascherano, Lucas, Kuyt, Gerrard, Benayoun; Ngog.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Burnley - Jack Cork

On loan from Chelsea, the young utility player has offered some real quality and sharpness in an otherwise messy Clarets side. Classy both on and off the ball, he could well be the first true success story to come from the Blues academy during Roman Abramovich's era.

Liverpool - Ryan Babel

With Ngog a doubt, boss Benitez could look to his Dutch enigma for the goals on Sunday. The former Ajax star has improved rapidly since the turn of the year and will hope to start after a typically bright showing off the bench in midweek.

Rafa Benitez Hasn't Given Up On Fourth Place

Liverpool have not given up on fourth place in the Premier League claims manager Rafael Benitez.

Benitez’s side head to struggling Burnley on Sunday praying that their faint hopes of finishing fourth are still alive.

Liverpool's last two trips this season are to Turf Moor and Hull on the final day but even victories there and also at home to Chelsea are probably not going to be enough to get them into the Champions League next season.

Liverpool returned from Madrid with another injury worry after striker David Ngog had to come off with a back problem in the second half against Atletico.

With star striker Fernando Torres out for the remainder of the campaign after a second knee operation and four defenders currently sidelined it leaves the squad looking a bit thin.

Benitez will assess what effect the trip and match in Madrid had on his players before deciding who is ready to face a tricky test at Burnley.

One player certain to return is midfielder Maxi Rodriguez, who will be fresh after remaining on Merseyside because he was ineligible for Europe.

"We have to consider a lot of things. We have to train and see how they feel and after this we will analyse carefully but we cannot make decisions now," said the Reds boss.

"We had five players injured against Atletico so it is not easy to change them because we don't have too many fresh legs but we will try to manage with the fixtures.

"The medical staff are doing a good job and I think it will be okay."

Rafa Relishing Maxi Return

Rafael Benitez admits he will welcome Maxi Rodriguez back into the fold with open arms when Liverpool take on Burnley at Turf Moor on Sunday.

The Argentinean utility man was ineligible for Thursday's Europa League meeting with his former club Atletico Madrid, but will return to the squad for the trip to Lancashire.

And Benitez believes Maxi has established himself as a key member of the Reds' side since his January transfer from La Liga.

"Maxi has become a very important player for us," said the boss. "He can keep the ball, he can pass it and his energy is good.

"He is always working very hard and it was a pity that we could not have him with us against Atletico; hopefully we will play well with him in the league.

"He is different to a lot of players that we have. His understanding is very good and we have been really pleased with what he has done for us."

Meanwhile, Benitez is calling on his troops to take maximum points from their remaining three league fixtures and ensure they are in a position to capitalise should Champions League chasers Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City slip up.

The Spaniard knows Burnley's fight for survival means they will pose a dangerous threat to his team - as the likes of Manchester United and Arsenal already have found out at Turf Moor this season.

However, he is keen for his men to ensure they head into Thursday's Europa League semi-final, second leg clash with Atletico in positive mood.

"It will be really important for us and the fans will be behind us, hoping that we can do what we have done in the past," added Benitez. "But they (Atletico) are a dangerous team, with pace and ability, so we will see. First we have to play against Burnley.

"I am trying to be positive that there won't be an effect. We came back by plane and the players have had some time to rest and hopefully we will win our game.

"Could it be different by the end of the weekend? We'll see. We've expected the others to drop points before but it hasn't happened. We just have to concentrate on our game."

Rafa Admits Away Troubles

Rafa Benitez has accepted Liverpool's away form has been their Achilles heel this season.

Their woeful domestic record away from Anfield this term has largely contributed to that situation as they have won just four and lost eight of their 17 matches on the road.

Benitez accepts their away form has been the major stumbling block to success this season and with a crucial Europa League semi-final second leg coming up on Thursday there is a danger his players will be too focused on that.

"We know our record away this year is not the best so we cannot go there thinking the job is done, we have to do it," said the Spaniard, whose side host Chelsea next weekend before travelling to Hull on the final day.

"Always you have an opportunity to change this record and it is positive that we were able to return home (from Madrid) by plane because we were originally thinking about arriving late on Saturday evening.

"We will have some time when we can rest and be ready. We know it will be a massive game and we will try to do our best.

"Never is it easy to play away, especially against a team which is fighting relegation.

"We have confidence and hopefully we can play well, score goals and have more confidence for the second leg against Atletico.

"We have got to go there and claim three points."

Benitez has refused to give up on fourth place despite the odds lengthening and fixtures shortening by the week.

The Liverpool manager is still holding out hope Spurs, City and now Aston Villa, who moved ahead of them into sixth with a midweek win over Hull, will slip up.

"Fourth place will be difficult and we know we are in a bad position but we still have to do our job," he continued.

"In the league we have to do the same and try to win and see what happens with the other teams.

"It could be a good game to play in between our Europa League."

Reds Eyes Swedish Starlet

Liverpool are lining up a move for talented Swedish teenager Kristoffer Peterson.

The 15-year-old, who currently plies his trade with Swedish minnows Savedalens IF, enjoyed a trial on Merseyside earlier this month.

Peterson impressed Liverpool's coaching team during his time training at the club and they are now ready to push through a move for the youngster.

The teenager is excited at the prospect of making the move to the English titans.

"I am no longer just toying with the dream. It feels like the club really wants to give me a chance," Peterson told Expressen.

The player's advisor, Robert Bengtsson Barkroth, confirmed Liverpool are planning to offer Peterson a deal at Anfield.

"We understand that Liverpool are willing to offer an education package, that will include school and studies," said Bengtsson Barkroth.

Liverpool Tempted By Move For Real Madrid's Rafael van der Vaart

Liverpool are considering a summer move for Rafael van der Vaart, having been offered the chance to sign the Holland international by Real Madrid.

Club officials met in the Spanish capital before Liverpool's Europa League semi‑final against Atlético Madrid on Thursday, with Real taking the opportunity to try to offload several players deemed surplus to requirements by the club president, Florentino Perez. Liverpool were interested in Van der Vaart, who was offered despite forcing his way into Manuel Pellegrini's plans this season, in a deal that would see Real recoup much of the €13m they paid Hamburg in 2008.

Whether Rafael Benítez envisages a role for the 27-year-old midfielder in his plans is not clear and doubts over the manager's long-term future at Anfield, plus the transfer funds available, mean there are several issues for the club to address before pursuing a deal for the former Ajax favourite. Liverpool's interest, however, has been registered.

Benítez, meanwhile, has stated his displeasure at Roberto Mancini's pronouncement that Manchester City are hoping to join Europe's leading clubs in pursuit of Fernando Torres this summer. The Liverpool manager accepts there will be interest in the Spanish striker at the end of this season, as was the case last summer, but is unhappy at Mancini's decision to go public with City's ambitions.

"There are some things in football that you cannot change," said Benítez. "I wasn't happy about this situation [Mancini's comments] but, when you talk to Fernando, it is clear he is happy at Liverpool, so hopefully everything will be OK. It does happen in football at times but I'd prefer to focus on my team because we have some important games to play. I try not to talk of players at other clubs because I want to focus on the games we have coming up."

Liverpool were spared an arduous journey back from Madrid, flying home straight after the game, and Benítez admitted his concerns lie with improving a miserable away record at Burnley on Sunday. The 1-0 defeat by Atlético on Thursday meant Liverpool have won only seven of 27 away games in all competitions this season. Benítez said: "That record suggests we have not been good enough away from home and that we have to improve, it's true. In Madrid it was a pity because we couldn't get the away goal but we have to be more solid and stronger. That's mentally and physically – everything."

Benítez has still not spoken to the new Liverpool chairman, Martin Broughton, one week after the British Airways chairman was officially appointed to the role at Anfield with a brief to sell the club on behalf of Tom Hicks and George Gillett.

Rafael Benitez Will Abandon Liverpool Should The Club Sell Fernando Torres And Steven Gerrard

Rafael Benitez will leave his post at Liverpool at the season’s end should the club decide to sell its two most influential stars Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres.

According to the Daily Star the former Valencia boss is believed to be seeking assurances from newly-appointed chairman Martin Broughton that his most valuable assets will remain at Anfield for the start of the 2010-11 season.

Torres is a prime target for mega-rich Manchester City, who recently declared their interest in the free-scoring Spainish striker on public record, much to Benitez’ dismay.

While Inter boss Jose Mourinho is thought to be monitoring Gerrard’s situation on Merseyside, with speculation rife of the skipper losing patience at the club’s failing fortunes and underperforming ways.

Benitez himself has been linked with an Anfield departure, with Italian giants Juventus reportedly keen on acquiring the tactician as it looks to revamp its squad and regain its status among Europe’s most feared.

With the need to alleviate its debt, such sales could be forced upon as the financially embattled club looks to rebuild itself for the long-term.

Despite such speculation, Torres, Gerrard and Benitez have each issued their loyalty pleas towards the club amid the lingering doubt over their futures.

Lee: Goals Key To Final Dream

Sammy Lee believes Liverpool will have to hit the goal trail if they are to see off Atletico Madrid's Europa League challenge.

Diego Forlan's solitary strike has given Los Rojiblancos a 1-0 advantage heading into next Thursday's second-leg and the assistant manager reckons the Reds will need to show a marked improvement in the attacking third if they are to book a final berth.

"It's only 1-0 and that effectively means we are still in it," he told Liverpoolfc.tv.

"Pepe did make a crucial save but that just highlights the importance of him to this football club.

"We are confident. We know it is going to be difficult. We do feel that they are better on the counter attack so that will make it tough, but with our crowd behind us we can score goals.

"We know we will have to score goals. I don't mean just the one either, we'll need goals."

Before the Reds can focus their full attention on Atletico, they face a must-win trip to Burnley on Sunday.

Lee acknowledges that the Clarets are scrapping for survival but insists the Reds' bid for a top four place will ensure they are more than up for the test.

"At the end of the day we are still fighting for what we want," he said. "We've said on many occasions that each game presents its own degree of difficulty and none more so than Burnley.

"It's a very difficult place to go. The pitch won't be great but we'll have to adapt to it."

He added: "We know they have Fletcher who has scored some goals for them this season, but they also have Nugent and we know he can be a threat for us. At the end of the day it's about how we approach the game and we have to make sure we do everything right from our end."

With both Manchester City and Tottenham facing tough fixtures at Arsenal and Manchester United respectively, the game at Turf Moor could potentially offer Rafael Benitez's men a chance to close the gap on fourth spot.

Lee admits Liverpool are relying heavily on others to drop points but is determined to finish the campaign with a flourish.

"We'll try and win the next three and see where we are," he said. "It's important we do our job. What other teams do is out of our hands. We know what we have to do - we just have to make sure we do it."

Lee also revealed that the Reds will continue to assess David Ngog's back injury before deciding whether he can face Burnley.

"He has got a bit of problem," he said. "We will wait to see how he reacts to it in the next 24 hours.

"We only got back to Melwood at 4am on Friday morning and then we had them in training later on. Some of them are in recovery mode, so we'll just have to wait and see. It's too early to assess things but we'll see how it goes over the next 24 hours."

Ngoo Strikes As U18s Sink Boro'

Liverpool under-18s continued their superb run-in to the season courtesy of an emphatic 3-0 victory at home to Middlesbrough on Saturday afternoon.

Rodolfo Borrell's side produced a dominant display against the North-East outfit and deservedly took the spoils courtesy of goals from Michael Ngoo, Tom Ince and Krisztian Adorjan.

It means the Reds have now stretched their unbeaten run to eight matches and will head into next Thursday's clash at home to Leeds United in buoyant mood.

On a sun-drenched afternoon in Kirkby, the hosts made a fast start to the proceedings and could have been ahead inside three minutes.

A flowing move saw Toni Brito E Silva cut in from the right flank and run menacingly at the visitors' rearguard. The ball was then worked to Adorjan who brought a magnificent full stretch save out of Adam Smith with a blockbusting 18 yard effort.

The hosts continued to boss possession but did not create another opportunity of real note until the 16th minute when Ngoo flashed a shot into the side netting after he was played in on the far right of the penalty area.

Middlesbrough responded and almost snatched a shock lead when Kieran Edwards stabbed just past Chris Oldfield's right-hand post after a corner had made its way right across the Reds' six yard box.

It proved to be a costly miss though, as Liverpool surged forward and grabbed the opener less than 60 seconds later.

Ince glided in from the left and played a pass into Craig Roddan. The midfielder then flicked a ball towards Adorjan who lost his footing, allowing Ngoo to seize possession and thrash a stunning shot into the top left-hand corner form the edge of the box.
It was no more than the home team deserved and they almost doubled their advantage a minute later but Ince dragged wide when well placed just outside the area.

On the stroke of half-time it looked inevitable that Ngoo would snare his second of the game, but the slightest of touches from a Middlebrough head denied him a free strike on goal after Adorjan and Ince had carved the Boro' defence open down the right.

It was the same story after the interval with Liverpool once again asking the majority of the questions.

Silva's now trademark mazy run from the right ended with a 25 yard drive that was brilliantly tipped past the post by Smith, while only Ngoo will know how he headed the resulting corner over the top after he was left unmarked in the six yard box.

A second goal was very much on the cards and just past the hour mark they got it when Ince was on hand to fire home from the left side of the box.

With the points all-but guaranteed the Reds began to express themselves more freely and they made it three with 15 minutes to go when substitute Raheem Sterling crossed for Adorjan to convert.

Middlesbrough's misery was compounded in injury-time when Philip Shead was shown a a straight red for stamping on Ince.

Striker Facing Fitness Fight

Rafa Benitez will assess the fitness of David Ngog before deciding who will play up front against Burnley on Sunday.

The striker had a problem with his back against Atletico Madrid and the Liverpool manager may have to shuffle his pack.

Benitez said: "Ngog was really tired. He had some knocks and a problem with his back, so I was talking with the doctor at half-time. He told me he couldn't play 90 minutes.

"We will consider a number of things but it's too early. We have to train and afterwards analyze carefully."

Benitez was relieved his side could fly straight back from Madrid following their 24-hour jaunt to the Spanish capital.

"And it's positive that we came back from Madrid via plane - that's great because we were thinking about arriving back late on Saturday.

"Now we have some time - we can rest and be ready."

Benitez is targeting an improvement in Liverpool's away form.

He said: "We have to improve away from home and this is an opportunity to do that. It's never easy to play away, especially against a team fighting relegation but we will try to do best.

"We have confidence we can play well and score goals - and if we win we'll have more confidence for the next leg against Atletico.

"In the league we have to do our job - we have to win and see what happens. We can't control the other teams.

"It will be difficult to get fourth but still we have to do our job."

Jamie Carragher Confident Of Another Liverpool FC Comeback In Europa League

Liverpool FC defender Jamie Carragher admits the Reds have not made their Europa League campaign easy for themselves but has faith their experience will see them through to next month’s final in Hamburg.

A 1-0 deficit to Atletico Madrid is far from insurmountable next week at Anfield, where they have staged second-leg comebacks in the previous two rounds against Lille and Benfica.

It promises to be another rousing night on Merseyside and Carragher is confident Liverpool FC will get the result they need.

"We expected to play a bit better in Madrid but even though we lost 1-0 I think we’d take that," said the centre-back. "We limited the damage and it is all still to play for.

"We’ve definitely made it difficult for ourselves in the Europa League as we’ve always been behind going to Anfield but somehow we’ve always seemed to come through it.

"It is not something we’ve planned on doing but after our last two trips it’s something we’ve had to do and we know exactly what we need to do.

"It will be a long 90 minutes and we have to be patient. The job is to put them under pressure, play at a high tempo and hopefully it will be enough.

"It will be another great European night."

Liverpool FC, who have become the first English club to play in 16 European semi-finals, are now just 90 minutes away from their third European final in the last six years.

But even though they are so close to booking a place in Hamburg on May 12, Carragher said the players did not feel any additional pressure.

"Not to get the away goal is disappointing but we are always confident with second legs at Anfield," the 32-year-old said.

"I don’t think it makes any difference it’s the second leg of a semi-final.

"Atletico will be pleased with the score and be thinking if they get an away goal we’ll need three, but it’s up to us to stop that.

"We’ve been in lots of different situations. We were in the (2007 Champions League) semi-final with Chelsea and we lost the first leg 1-0 and eventually went through on penalties, so it is something we are aware of."

Liverpool FC manager Rafa Benitez is also targeting a clean sheet in the second leg to make his side’s task much easier.

"We have confidence. We have to score and a clean sheet would be fantastic because that would mean we just have to score two goals," said the Spaniard.

"It is really important for us to play the second leg at Anfield, where we’ve scored three goals against Lille and four goals against Benfica.

"We couldn’t give the fans the away goal they wanted but hopefully at Anfield we can give the fans a lot of goals.

"I’ve said 20 times before we can reach the final and I still say yes."

Atletico Madrid Will Be Difficult To Overturn But We Can Do It - Pepe Reina

Next Thursday will have to be another one of those special nights at Anfield. After their disappointing result against Atletico Madrid in the first leg of the Europa League semi-final, the Reds have it all to do in the return. It's not so much the score that is so daunting. After all, Liverpool lost their first leg in France to Lille, and lost at Benfica 2-1 and on both occassions overcame their opponents.

But there is a difference. For a start, there is no Fernando Torres to spearhead the attack as he did against the French side when he scored two goals. Secondly, neither Lille nor Benfica possess the qualities in attack that Atletico have. Sergio 'Kun' Aguero, who was suspended for Thursday's first leg, will be back, and his partnership up front with Diego Forlan is always lethal. With Simao and Reyes on the flanks and Jurado prodding just behind the attack, it's impossible to imagine Atletico not scoring at Anfield.

The real worry for Liverpool is that in the last three rounds Atletico have done it the hard way too, but exactly in reverse to the English side. Against Frank Rijkaard's Galatasaray they drew at home 1-1, only to score a shock injury time winner in Turkey to win the game 2-1. Then they dulled the senses in a drab goalless draw at home to Sporting Lisbon only to produce a sparkling 2-2 result in Portugal. And in the quarter-finals they again scored twice away from home in a 2-2 draw at Valencia which helped them through. It's exactly these performances and results away from home that make Atletico strong favourites to reach the final in Hamburg next month.

Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina accepts the complexity of the tie, but believes that Anfield is always a special ground for teams to play at.

"We believe that we can do it, but I know it will be difficult. But at Anfield it will be easier for us and I hope our supporters will push the team right from the beginning."

Of that there is little doubt, but Reina lamented the manner of the goal that the team conceded. A comedy of misfortunes and errors that allowed Diego Forlan to bundle the ball over the line.

"To be honest, I think their goal was a bit lucky and it was really difficult for us to accept. But that's the way it was, and if you look at it, they didn't really create that many chances, but they were the ones who scored a goal so it has become massive for them now," said the keeper.

Atletico may have not created plenty, but the media in Spain has been highly critical of the way Liverpool played, describing their football as being "disappointing" and ultimately ugly. The confidence in the Spanish capital is high regarding Atletico's chances of winning through. Reina accepts that the way the Spaniards play means they will be dangerous opponents in the return.

"It's going to be interesting but it's difficult to play them. They play very well on the counter-attack so that is going to be a problem, but this is now at Anfield and we know what Anfield can do, so let's just have belief."

Steven Gerrard Calls On Liverpool To Become Europa League Heroes

Steven Gerrard believes Liverpool's Europa League semi-final second-leg tie against Atlético Madrid next week will be an occasion "when heroes are made". The Merseyside club lost the first leg at the Vicente Calderón on Thursday night 1-0 but, according to Gerrard, they still retain hope of making the final in Hamburg on 12 May.

"It is still half-time," said the Liverpool captain. "We are still confident we can progress and we know we can turn any result around with our fans behind us, especially a 1-0.

"Although it's not the perfect result for us – it's a bit of a dangerous result – everyone in the dressing room is confident. I'm really looking forward to next week and the sooner Thursday comes around the better. If you don't want to play in that game there is something wrong.

Liverpool have been in this position many times before and on several occasions this season have taken teams back to Anfield and turned things around.

Against Lille they trailed 1-0 and won 3-1 on aggregate, and they demolished an accomplished Benfica side 4-1 in the quarter-final second leg having been 2-1 down from the first game in Portugal.

In fact, Liverpool's record when playing European semi-final second legs at home is formidable, with seven victories and one draw.

It is that experience which Gerrard expects will provide the platform for yet another famous night at Anfield, even without the injured Fernando Torres.

"The frustrating thing was that we were nowhere near our best and had no cutting edge in the final third in Madrid," said the 29-year-old. "We haven't played well at all on the road in the league or in Europe but we've got the experience, the know-how, of turning these results around.

"Next week will be a lot different on our pitch with our fans behind us I'm sure we'll play at a higher tempo and create more chances.

Aquilani Exit Talk Dismissed

Alberto Aquilani's agent has refuted talk that the midfielder could leave Liverpool at the end of the season.

Rumours have been rife that Aquilani could be on his way out of Anfield this summer after just one season on Merseyside.

The Italian international has failed to hit the heights at Liverpool since his arrival from Roma and due to fitness and form has been unable to establish himself as a regular in Rafa Benitez's first-team plans.

However, Aquilani's representative Franco Zavaglia insists the proposed sale of the club will have no bearing on the midfielder's future at Anfield.

"I don't think Liverpool will dismantle the team because they are in an economic crisis," Zavaglia told Tuttomercatoweb.com.

"Plus, Alberto has a five-year deal there. How can people say that he will be sold?"

Benitez Eyes Takeaway Nando

Rafael Benitez will take Fernando Torres and coach Sammy Lee with him to Juventus this summer — according to reports in Italy.

The Serie A giants have targeted the Liverpool manager after his future at Anfield became uncertain.

Juve are also planning a mass clear-out of stars in order to give Bentiez a strong transfer kitty.

And a host of Italian newspapers claim the Spaniard will use this money to lure Torres and No2 Lee away from Merseyside, even if the Turin side also look set to miss out on a Champions League place.

Rafael Benitez Insists That Liverpool Will Not Sell Fernando Torres To Manchester City

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has angrily refuted suggestions that the Reds might sell Fernando Torres to Manchester City this summer.

The Citizens were linked with a £60 million offer for the Spain striker in reports which emerged this week.

However, Benitez claims to find the idea absurd, especially as the player has never expressed any desire to leave the club.

“We have said repeatedly that Fernando is not for sale and he still has three years of his contract remaining,” Benítez told reporters.

“So how can they sign a player who does not wish to leave?”

City boss Roberto Mancini was himself coy on the rumours linking his club with the player, although he acknowledged that Torres was one of the world's top players.

He also hinted that City would be prepared to splash yet more money in the close season as they look to build a team that can mount a serious challenge for the title.

“I think we must buy a top player,” he said. “We must make sure we don’t spend too much on normal players, but if there is the possibility to spend the money on top players, young players who can help us build a future, I think it is OK [to spend big].

“I don’t like to waste money because I have respect for the club and the owners, but if we need a player [we will spend].

"If we want to win the Premier League ahead of Chelsea and Manchester United, I think we must sign some important players.

“Every year the club has improved and we want to do the same again. Sometimes you don’t have to buy 15 players and you can buy three or four important players. Next season we want to play to win the Premier League.”

Dirk Kuyt Sued Over Liverpool House Conversion

Dirk Kuyt, the Liverpool footballer, has been accused of scoring an own goal after allegedly failing to compensate high-end property group Knight Frank for works carried out on his house.

Knight Frank has launched a legal claim against the Liverpool player to try and recover monies it claims it is owed for acting as contract administrator at a former school Mr. Kuyt bought and converted.

The property group claims it is owed £50,600 after arranging for works to be carried out at the site on the outskirts of Liverpool in 2008.

"Pursuant to the contract, the claimant's fees would be 11pc of the total sum due under the construction," the legal action claims.

"At no time during the administration of the contract did the defendant express any dissatisfaction with the claimant's services. The total contract sum was £400,000 giving a fee of £44,000 plus VAT."

Knight Frank claims that after it submitted its invoice, Mr. Kuyt's Dutch representatives "expressed surprise" at the fees being calculated on a percentage rather than hourly rate.

"Subsequently, vague and entirely spurious allegations have been raised about the claimant's services and the defendant has failed and refused to pay the invoice," Knight Frank said.

Mr. Kuyt, in the team for Thursday's Europa Cup semi-final against Atletico Madrid, moved to Liverpool in 2006.

A lawyer for Mr. Kuyt said he entirely disputes Knight Frank's claim and will file a full defence in due course.

Rafa Coy On Future Talk

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is remaining tight-lipped on talk linking him with a switch to Juventus.

Widespread reports in Italy claim Juve have made Benitez their top target to take over from interim boss Alberto Zaccheroni this summer.

It has been suggested Juventus are prepared to offer Benitez a lucrative contract and hefty transfer war chest to lure him to Turin.

Reports circulating have also claimed Juventus are now working on recruiting Benitez's backroom team if he does decide to leave Anfield.

Benitez insists he is not thinking about his future and is waiting to see who will buy Liverpool after American owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett put the club up for sale last week.

The Spaniard admits Liverpool's search for new owners could decide his future on Merseyside.

Benitez told Premium Calcio: "The future? I just think about the next week, only of the sale of the club.

"I'm interested in who buys Liverpool.

"Resignation? I will have to wait for next week. I will talk to who will buy the club. We must wait."

Juventus Ready To Close Deal For Liverpool Coach Rafael Benitez

Juventus president Jean-Claude Blanc will fly out to Liverpool next week to close a deal for Rafael Benitez, who has informed the Italians that there are no problems relating to his future arrival in Turin, according to Sky Sport 24.

They report Juve's strategy as being a clear and concise one. First, Blanc will wrap up the transfer for Benitez after agreeing a deal, then he will head to Genoa and seal an agreement with Sampdoria sporting director Giuseppe Marotta. Blucerchiati president Riccardo Garrone has already given the Italian the all-clear to join Juve.

Marotta will then approve budgets and transfers strategies for Benitez to use in the summer.

The Spanish coach will earn €4 million per annum wages, with an extra €1m to spend on his backroom staff as he intends to select his own team of assistants.

Juventus are now trying to negotiate with Liverpool to help the Spaniard climb out of his 2014 contract. Reports have suggested it will take €16m to release Benitez from Anfield, but the Old Lady is hopeful of doing it for half that amount.

Blanc will now head to Anfield and speak directly with Liverpool so all parties can reach an agreement that satisfies needs and ensures there are no further obstacles.

Match Report: Atletico Madrid 1 - 0 Liverpool

Liverpool failed to gain any reward for their valiant efforts in making the long-haul trip to Madrid as a familiar foe gave Atletico victory in their Europa League semi-final first leg.

Former Manchester United striker Diego Forlan hit a scrappy winner in only the ninth minute but the tie is far from over and even without an away goal Rafael Benitez's side will be optimistic of overturning the result at Anfield next week.

The Reds missed their injured striker Fernando Torres almost as much as the former darling of the Vicente Calderon missed the chance to face his old club, having also been denied that opportunity in the Champions League last season because of more fitness problems.

Benitez had insisted the 1,200-mile journey by coach, train and eventually plane - after UEFA's insistence the match go ahead despite the volcanic ash cloud which grounded flights across Europe - had brought his squad closer together.

If only his defence had been tighter-knit in the ninth minute then they may not have conceded.

No one will ever really know whether their exertions in getting to the Spanish capital had an effect but it was a sloppy piece of marking which cost them.

Forlan became something of a cult hero among United fans with both goals in a 2-1 victory at Anfield in 2002, albeit assisted, it has to be said, by Reds goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek.

And it was he who returned to haunt the Merseysiders when Jose Manuel Jurado's cross from the left dropped over Jamie Carragher and picked him out on the edge of the six-yard area.

His first attempt at a header was reminiscent of those early United days when he earned the nickname "Diego Forlorn" because of his difficulty in scoring.

However, the Uruguayan is a better, more experienced - and even luckier - player now and as ball from his duffed header dropped right at his feet he poked it home off goalkeeper Jose Reina.

Had Yossi Benayoun enjoyed a similar slice of good fortune a minute later from Dirk Kuyt's cross his header would have nestled in the net instead of flying wide of the far post.

The Israeli beat Atletico goalkeeper David de Dea eight minutes later but again the luck was against him, this time by virtue of a wrong offside decision.

Kuyt's mis-hit shot bobbled into the penalty area where Benayoun slotted the ball home only to be denied by an erroneous flag, as television replays proved.

Still Liverpool came forward and Steven Gerrard should have done better moments later when Lucas Leiva put him through only for the captain to shoot left-footed into the side-netting when he should have least hit the target.

But Atletico's threat had not diminished and their neat triangles in the final third of the pitch often cut open the visitors' defence.

Even right-back Tomas Ujfalusi got in on the act, weaving into the penalty area before shooting into the side-netting five minutes before half-time.

Forlan fluffed another a good chance soon after the break when he was put through on the edge of the penalty area but it was Reina's brilliance in producing a one-handed save which denied one-time Liverpool target Simao from Ujfalusi's cross.

The goalkeeper came to his side's rescue again as he beat away Ujfalusi's long-range strike and Carragher cleared as Atletico regained the initiative.

But Liverpool's experience and proud history, this match seeing them become the first English club to play in 16 European semi-finals, ensured they made a fight of it and, more importantly, did not concede again.

Of those 16 last-four encounters they have lost only four overall and their record when playing semi-final second legs at home is seven victories and one draw.

That statistic alone shows the power of Anfield on European nights.

Time will only tell how much Liverpool's long-distance travails on train, coach and plane cost them.

But, with fourth place in the Barclays Premier League looking beyond them, anything other than victory next week is likely to bring their season to a premature end.

A Lonely Walk For Benitez

Steven Gerrard wants three or four. Fernando Torres four or five and Jamie Carragher reckons Liverpool need five or six new players of quality. Add them all together and you might have a more realistic number.

All managers aspire to a comfortable situation in which two players of relatively equal merit are fighting to start but when Rafa Benitez checked his squad on to the bus for the long haul to Madrid the reality was somewhat different.

A motley collection of young, old and bewildered players which cost about £230m to assemble now carry the fate of Liverpool at their feet.

The club has a big 'For Sale' sticker attached and everyone knows that the only way Liverpool can remain a force in Premier League and European football is via massive investment -- calculated at £1bn by some.

There was a time when a number like that was virtually incomprehensible but in our world, whoever buys Liverpool and spends that sort of money on the project is getting a bargain. Here in Ireland, we're spending many, many billions on nothing at all and we have a bitter, bitter understanding of the maths.

Everything about Liverpool at the moment is as shaky and hollow as an Irish bank. They have much in common, both burdened by unmanageable debt but still paying out huge salaries.

But the banks have us to bail them out. Benitez only has the players around him and for six months, the big earners haven't been near good enough.

Gerrard glares at the world through hooded eyebrows while Torres, the club's last great hope, took the long road to Spain for an operation which gives him a chance of playing some significant role in the World Cup for his country but leaves his club without a recognised striker.

Benitez looked sharp and efficient when he first arrived from Valencia six years ago and quickly established a reputation as a man who could say nothing at all with great courtesy and good humour.

But these days he often looks as if he could do with a shave and he says far too much badly. In fact, his demeanour became shifty once he began to cultivate face hair and opened up with both barrels on Alex Ferguson -- never a good plan unless you have substance to match the rhetoric.

It was a moment of arrogance on Benitez's part which he has never really recovered from. Up until that point in December 2009, Benitez was universally admired as an honourable man and a good manager working in difficult circumstances although there were conscientious objectors like Ronnie Whelan who believed that there was already too much evidence of bad judgement for comfort.

But from the moment he chose to redesign his image and emerged wild-eyed, red-faced and ready to trade verbal blows on an equal footing with Fergie, the tide turned among neutrals.

It turned, too, in the Premier League and Liverpool have been in effective decline ever since. The peak reached just before Christmas 2008 was as good as it's going to be for a long time.

Neutral football lovers understood the scale of Liverpool's problems long before the Kop did but Benitez's failings became wrapped up in supporters' dislike of Hicks and Gillett.

Benitez wrapped the popular vote around him and went into a boardroom battle with Rick Parry which he ultimately won.

It has proven to be a very empty victory indeed. With the only big lump of cash spent since Parry left, Benitez chose to invest heavily in Alberto Aquilani who, according to his manager, is too soft for English football.

Even Parry might have chosen better than that.

After a series of questionable and sometimes downright irrational transfer deals in and out of Anfield, Benitez flunked his first solo test. Nobody else to blame for Aquilani but the manager.

Thursday night’s Europa League assignment is nothing more than a distraction from the most important work being done by Liverpool at the moment. The urgent search for a buyer is all-important.

But Benitez will hope that success in a competition which was on nobody's list of targets when Liverpool kicked off the season back in August full of optimism and hunger, will serve him on two fronts.

If there is any truth in tales of a Chinese zillionaire ready to invest and there's a big bankroll at Anfield next season, Benitez would clearly fancy a go even if that would be a disaster for the club.

An unlikely fourth place and Champions League football would be ideal, but the Europa League sitting in the Anfield trophy room would at least give him chips to play with.

Speculation that there has already been communication between potential new owners and Benitez suggest he's in the game at least.

In fact, Benitez is now in a pretty good position all told. He will bank a fortune if Liverpool cancel his contract and by the looks of things, he has a decent fallback position at Juventus. Another trinket always helps in salary negotiations. And he could walk into another well paid job leaving an awful mess behind him.

Even with a big budget, a top quality new manager will struggle to build a squad capable of squaring up to Manchester United and Chelsea at Anfield.

Manchester City is now the benchmark for Liverpool and that can't be easy to admit for fans reared on Shankly, Paisley, Fagan and Dalglish or even the Istanbul generation.

Manchester United make new memories every season and for their fans, success never grows old, even if Alex Ferguson does and moves ever closer to the day when he will leave Old Trafford bereft and searching for some way to plug an even bigger hole than the one Matt Busby left when he finally retired.

It took 26 years for Manchester United to climb back to the top of the English game and into a dominant position. While they struggled, Liverpool etched new standards of brilliance on every trophy plate available.

Two decades have passed since Kenny Dalglish stepped down, over-burdened by the stress of life at Anfield and still grieving for those lost at Heysel and Hillsborough. And in that period, Ferguson has rewritten the history books and balanced the ledger with Liverpool.

That, ultimately, will be Benitez's unfortunate legacy when future generations look back at this period and Liverpool's involvement in the Europa League will hardly be mentioned.

Mascherano Driven By Desire For First Trophy At Reds

Javier Mascherano insists memories of past European disappointments will not be his driving force as he attempts to move a step closer to winning his first piece of silverware as a Liverpool player this evening.

Mascherano has yet to taste success with Liverpool since moving to Anfield in February 2007, although he has come agonisingly close on a couple of occasions -- especially in Europe.

He was part of the side that lost the 2007 Champions League final 2-1 to AC Milan, and also the following year when Liverpool were knocked out of the same competition at the semi-final stage after going down 4-3 on aggregate to Chelsea. To some, the pain of those losses could serve as an inspiration, but Mascherano admits he prefers to look forward than back.

Speaking ahead of Thursday night’s Europa League semi-final first leg against Atletico Madrid, the Argentina midfielder said: "I try not to think of the past. For me the present is best and I try to think in the present. We will try to get a good result against Atletico and get through to the final in Hamburg.

"Whenever you lose you always feel that it's not a good experience. (But) I try to take away the positives when we lose and we got to the final in 2007. We couldn't win but we were there and that's important. We will try to win against Atletico and not think about anything else."

Regarding his chase for silverware with the five-time European champions, Mascherano added: "Trophies are the main thing. I said this a few weeks ago. This is the biggest game of the season for us."

Liverpool, who warmed up for tonight's match with a 3-0 win over West Ham on Monday night, will be without star striker Fernando Torres after he underwent season-ending knee surgery at the weekend.

Atletico will also be without one of their key forwards with Sergio Aguero suspended, and on top of that the Spanish side are also struggling for form having lost four of their past five league games.

Looking ahead to the clash, Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez said: "My dream is that on Thursday night we can settle the tie, but I'm aware that the tie will be decided at Anfield. It's going to be a very difficult and complicated tie. Both teams will play with caution but they will also try to score goals."

Both Benitez and Mascherano were also asked about their futures during last night's pre-match press conference, but both insisted their thoughts were solely on tonight's encounter with Atletico.

Mancini Delays Torres Talk

Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini has admitted his admiration of Liverpool striker Fernando Torres, but has put off all transfer talk until end the of the season.

The world's richest club have been heavily linked with the Spain ace for several weeks and it is thought City could make a bid for the currently injured star once the season is over.

But while Mancini has admitted his admiration of the player, he believes all the top clubs in Europe would love to sign the striker.

And instead of transfer talk, the City boss is concentrating on securing UEFA Champions League football next term.

Mancini said: "Fernando Torres is a fantastic striker.

"But all the teams in Europe are interested in him.

"We must get the rest of the matches out of the way first, then we will decide about other players."

Mancini believes securing Champions League football is vital to attracting the top players to the mega-rich club, who also want to make a bid for the title next term.

He added: "All the top players want to play in the Champions League.

"Next year we want to be a team who wins the Premier League. To do that we need top players."

Mancini also confirmed defender Micah Richards could be involved in Saturday's encounter with Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium after a four-match absence with a knee injury.

The game will see a return to north London for ex-Arsenal striker Emmanuel Adebayor.

The forward made a controversial goal celebration when the two sides met at Eastlands earlier in the season and then landed himself with a three-match ban for raking his studs down the side of Robin van Persie's face in the same game.

But Mancini wants Adebayor to forget about want has gone on before and instead focus on helping his present club on Saturday.

The City boss added: "I remember that game because I watched it on TV.

"I don't know why it happened but it is important Emmanuel only concentrates on Manchester City on Saturday.

Liverpool Planning Shock Summer Move For Wolves Goalkeeper

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is preparing a shock £2.5million bid for Wolves keeper Wayne Hennessey.

Benitez has targeted Wales international Hennessey for a surprise summer switch to Anfield as back-up to No. 1 Pepe Reina.

Hennessey has lost his place to Marcus Hahnemann at Molineux and not played in the Premier League since Wolves" 4-0 thrashing against Chelsea in November.

But Benitez believes the 23-year-old will be an ideal No. 2 to Reina and is ready to make his move at the end of the season.

Hennessey played a key role in Wolves' promotion to the Premier League and his form has alerted both Arsenal and Aston Villa in the past.

But he struggled in the top flight earlier this season and has been on the bench for most of the campaign after being replaced by summer signing Hahnemann.

Wolves boss Mick McCarthy is already preparing to splash the cash after warning he will need major funds for next season.

McCarthy has virtually guaranteed survival after only one defeat in the last seven games and will end the need for nail-biting with a win over Blackburn this weekend.

But he insists Wolves desperately need to strengthen in the summer and wants a substantial transfer kitty for the next transfer window.

He said: "We'd have to try and improve what we've got if we stay up. If we don't, then we're just standing still.

"If we stay in the Premier League, then we'll have to try and improve the squad again. If you stay up, players might have a bit more faith we can do it again.

"If we stay up, there's maybe the chance of spending more money and bringing better players in. The players here are doing great at the minute but it's all about improving the squad."

Rafael Benitez Would Bring Fernando Torres & Sammy Lee To Juventus From Liverpool

Rafael Benitez would make radical changes at Juventus should he join them from Liverpool in the summer, reports Il Corriere dello Sport.

The Italian paper forecasts wholesale changes and exits for a number of top players to accommodate Benitez's plan for a 4-4-2 system, and the arrival of Fernando Torres.

David Trezeguet, Amauri, Sebastian Giovinco and Vincenzo Iaquinta are likely to vacate the attacking department. The only certainty to remain is Alessandro Del Piero, the club legend whose contract expires at the end of 2011.

Reports this week claimed Benitez has been promised an €80 million transfer kitty. And, he will use this to buy two top-class wingers to suit his 4-4-2, and bring Torres with him from Liverpool.

Sampdoria striker Giampaolo Pazzini and Wolfsburg man Edin Dzeko are also targets should the Reds stand in the way of progress for the Spanish international.

Meanwhile, Tuttosport are reporting that John Elkann, heir to the Juventus throne, wants Benitez at all costs, and that Benitez has convinced his assistant coach Sammy Lee to follow him to Turin.

Ian Rush Expects Rafael Benitez To Stay At Anfield

Liverpool legend Ian Rush believes Rafael Benítez will still be in charge at Anfield next season, despite the Reds’ imminent failure to qualify for the Champions League, and reports linking the Spaniard with a summer move to Italian giants Juventus.

Speaking exclusively to Goal.com UK, Rush, whose 346 goals make him the Reds’ all-time top scorer, said that last week’s announcement that co-owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks have officially put the club up for sale was good news for Liverpool supporters, and that he expects Benitez to lead the way forward next season.

“I don’t think that Benitez’s future will be a massive issue personally,” he said, “Of course what needs to happen, for peace of mind as much as anything else, is that the situation gets sorted sooner rather than later.

“All we know at the moment is that the club is up for sale, and that is official. What we must hope for is that any buyer wants, and does, what is best for Liverpool.

“It is positive news; it is what the fans want, a bit of light at the end of the tunnel after a difficult period.”

Gillett and Hicks have drafted in British Airways chief Martin Broughton, who will act as an interim chairman to oversee the sale of the club, and Rush believes that the money made available to Benitez for strengthening the squad will be the key this summer. But he expressed concern over the need to settle the situation quickly.

“I think Benitez will be there as manager,” he said, “But then the big issue is how much he will have to spend in the summer. That’s why the situation must be sorted, and the sooner the better."

Yet whilst the off-field issues have dominated the headlines for all the wrong reasons this season, on the pitch Liverpool have fared little better. Benitez’s side look set to miss out on a Champions League place next season, sitting well behind both Tottenham and Manchester City in the race for a top-four finish, and Rush believes catching those teams, with just four league games remaining, will be very difficult.

“I think they still have a small chance of getting fourth,” he said. “Tottenham and Manchester City can drop points in tough games, but of course it is going to be very difficult.

“I think the game with Fulham [a 0-0 draw at Anfield last week] was crucial, Liverpool needed to win every game until the end of the season – and most people thought the big one would be against Chelsea – so those dropped points have cost them.”

Despite their disappointing domestic campaign, however, Liverpool find themselves in with a chance of landing a trophy come May. They take on Spanish side Atletico Madrid in the Europa League semi-finals on Thursday night, and Rush believes the Reds’ quarter-final performance, in which they swept aside a much-fancied Benfica side 5-3 on aggregate, makes them favourites for the competition.

“I definitely think they can go all the way in the Europa League,” he revealed, “I thought before the quarter-final that whoever won out of Liverpool and Benfica would be favourites, and that hasn’t changed. I do believe Liverpool can go on and win it.

“It may not be the Champions League, but it’s still a trophy to win, and for the fans; they want to see Steven Gerrard lifting that trophy in Hamburg.”

Rush’s record at Anfield during his two spells at the club between 1980 and 1997 has guaranteed him a place amongst the pantheon of Liverpool legends, and the Welshman believes that the current owner of the Reds’ number 9 shirt, Fernando Torres, has what it takes to join him on that illustrious list, despite the series of injuries which have curtailed his campaign.

“Torres, of course, has been fantastic,” he said, “His scoring record and ratio is incredible, and of course when he doesn’t play he is a big miss. It really notices because he is such a special player, so it is a huge shame to see him suffer any injury."

Atletico Madrid's Europa League Clash With Liverpool Will Be Decided In Second Leg - Quique Sanchez Flores

Atletico Madrid lock horns with Liverpool on Thursday evening in the first leg of their Europa League semi-final and head coach Quique Sanchez Flores has stated that he doesn't expect the tie to be decided until the second leg.

"I don’t see any result possible that will give us piece of mind for the return at Anfield. Playing at Anfield is always uncomfortable, it doesn’t matter what result you get in the first leg," said Sanchez Flores, according to the Liverpool Echo.

"Liverpool are a team that are capable of bouncing back and having great games. The important thing for us will be the collective mindset that we have, as this competition always gives very close scorelines in the first leg.

"I don’t think that the tie, which is 50-50, will be decided at the Vicente Calderon. What I’m sure about is that we will have to play at a very high level. The fundamental difference needs to be our mentality, the way we go out in matches, the intensity, the concentration...we have to recover the way we’ve been playing in this competition, which has got us to the semi-finals."

Rafael Benítez Feels Stars’ Trek Has Built Right Spirit For Final Bid

At the start of the season the prospect of taking part in a European odyssey that featured a springtime game in Madrid would have been a cause for great excitement at Anfield.

It says everything about Liverpool’s dysfunctional and eventful campaign that they have arrived in the Spanish capital at almost the right time of year, but in a competition that they had hoped to avoid.

Next month’s Champions League final at the Bernabéu may have been Liverpool’s original target, but indifferent form in that competition means that they are slumming it in the Europa League and preparing to take on Atlético Madrid at the Vicente Calderón in the first leg of their semi-final on Thursday night.

Having arrived in his home town via London, Paris and Bordeaux, Rafael Benítez is keen to turn negatives into a positive. “It [the long journey] has been good because you can see how everyone has been sticking together,” the Liverpool manager said.

“Sometimes the positive thing from something like this is that people have a better team experience. If you are on a plane for just one or two hours, everyone is just watching the film, on their PlayStations or whatever, now they have been talking more.

“It has been difficult for everyone because they will arrive tired but you could see them all talking to each other in different groups and changing them around as well rather than simply sticking in their normal ones.”

Benítez, who is likely to play David Ngog in attack in the absence of the injured Fernando Torres, dismissed suggestions that even Barcelona had been deprived of their usual vim and vigour by the coach journey that preceded Wednesday’s 3-1 defeat away to Inter Milan in the Champions League semi-final, first leg.

His positive stance and refusal to accept that performance levels will suffer because of Liverpool’s unusual travel schedule are clearly an attempt to remove an excuse for failure. Rather, he will use his team-talk on Thursday night to remind his side that having given so much just to get to Madrid, it would be a waste if they departed the city without having given themselves a good chance of reaching their third European final in the past six seasons.

“When you get to this stage of the competition, it is easy to motivate the players,” he said. “They know they are so close to the final and have to produce their maximum to win the game. It will be tough, though. Atlético normally play with pace and ability. People talk about their weakness in defence but that is because they are good in attack and are sometimes exposed at the back. If they can keep the balance, they will be very dangerous.

“In the Vicente Calderón everything will be different. Atlético will be a very difficult opposition. The stadium is very good for them, especially if they start the game well. If they don’t, then the fans can get on top of them so maybe that’s something we can manage.

“It is important to have an opportunity to win silverware and it will have been a difficult journey for the fans who manage to get to the game, so we have to do our best for them.”