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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rafa Benitez Happy To Take Slender Europa League Victory To Romania

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Match Report: Liverpool 1 - 0 Unirea Urziceni

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Joleon Lescott Has A Pop At Liverpool

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Europa League Will Be Hard To Win, Says Rafa Benitez

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rafa: Torres Absence Has Hurt Us

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Liverpool FC's Steven Gerrard Targets Europa League Record

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Europa League Preview: Liverpool vs. Unirea Urziceni

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


FORM GUIDE

Liverpool

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

Unirea Urziceni

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


TEAM NEWS

Liverpool

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

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

Unirea Urziceni

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

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


PLAYERS TO WATCH

Liverpool - Dani Pacheco

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

Unirea Urziceni - Marius Bilasco

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Carragher Boost For Reds

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"They are very close but not available yet."

Benayoun To Be Held Back

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

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

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

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

Maxi Enjoying Reds Life

Liverpool new boy Maxi Rodriguez insists he is enjoying life at Anfield following his arrival last month.

Argentine ace Rodriguez joined Liverpool during the January transfer window on a free transfer after leaving Atletico Madrid.

Maxi has started Liverpool's last two matches and he believes he is getting used to the style of English football.

"It's going fantastic so far and I couldn't have hoped for better," Rodriguez told the club's official website. "It's so different to daily life in Madrid, but I think I am settling in and it's even better here than I expected it to be.

"Gradually as the weeks have gone by, I've been getting used to daily life in the city. I think it will be even better when I'm more settled.

"It's totally different here to the football in La Liga. Certainly you are aware of the fact it is a lot more physical, tougher and aggressive - they are the big differences.

"But wherever you play football in the world, you still play with a round ball, so you get used to it.

"What's more, I really like the competitive, physical aspect of the game. I think it suits my style and I'm enjoying it."

Rafael Benitez Dismisses Play-Off Idea

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has ridiculed the idea of a play-off for the final Champions League place, claiming clubs "will be playing until the end of the century".

Reports this week claimed the Premier League were looking into the prospect of having the sides from fourth to seventh face each other post-season to decide the remaining spot for Europe's elite club competition.

It is a scenario which could work both ways for Liverpool, who have consistently finished in the top four but have seen their stranglehold threatened by Manchester City, Tottenham and Aston Villa this season.

But Benitez is keen for the team which deserves to finish fourth to get the final spot and not complicate the season even further.

"I have to agree with (Everton manager) David Moyes," said the Liverpool manager.

"He said what would it mean for a team like Tottenham if they finish fourth and, after a fantastic season, have to play a team who finishes seventh maybe 20 points behind just to keep the competition alive?

"To play three, maybe four fixtures, when you don't have time with international football - when will you play, how can you play these games and what does it mean for the team that finishes fourth?"

Benitez added: "Maybe we can do the same with the teams at the bottom of the table. If you finish fourth maybe you could play with the team who finished third from the bottom.

"Then during the whole season we can play 50 games and we don't have to rest so that will be fantastic.

"We can be in the office analysing the fixtures and creating different schedules and different things and the players will be injured.

"If we continue playing games we will end up playing three games a week - which is fantastic for the television companies.

"We are playing too much now. They were talking about the 39th game being played in Asia so if we now play the play-offs we will be playing until the end of the century."

The Champions League has been brought into more focus at Anfield this week as Liverpool conceded fourth spot to City last night and, having failed to qualify for the knock-out stages, face Unirea Urziceni in the much-maligned Europa League at Anfield tomorrow.

It is not an environment the five-time European champions are accustomed to but Benitez stressed as it was their only chance of winning silverware this season Uefas second-tier competition had to be taken seriously.

Liverpool have been installed as one of the favourites to win the cup but their Spanish manager said that did not put any extra pressure on his side.

But after a campaign which has already seen early exits from the Champions League, FA Cup and Premier League title race Benitez rejected suggestions failure to win a trophy would be seen as another crisis by critics.

"There are a lot of clubs in a worse position than us. They don't play European competition ever and it is not the end of the world for these clubs," he said.

"When you talk about Liverpool people talk about the history of the club but the history is not [currently] winning trophies.

"Since the Premier League the money has had a massive influence. You can see in the last years the teams which have won trophies are Chelsea and [Manchester] United - the teams with more wages than anyone.

"There is a relationship between this.

"We are a strong club and a top side who are famous in Europe but we need to keep competing and do our best against clubs who sometimes have more money available.

"When you talk about the Uefa Cup or Europa League now it is a massive competition and we have do our best and progress until the end.

"If we cannot it means maybe the teams are at this moment better than us and then we have to prepare the team for next year and be ready.

"That is life - you cannot win trophies every single year and especially with the economic conditions we have against the teams we have to compete against."

Marouane Fellaini Out For Six Months After Sotirios Kyrgiakos Tackle

Everton have been dealt a major injury setback after their influential midfielder Marouane Fellaini was ruled out for six months with ankle ligament damage.

The Belgium international, who has been in superb form of late, visited a specialist in London yesterday to assess the extent of the injury inflicted by Sotirios Kyrgiakos's two-footed challenge in the recent Merseyside derby.

Fellaini was carried off as a result of the foul that brought a straight red card for the Liverpool defender and had to delay his appointment with the specialist due to inflammation around the ankle.

His scheduled absence means the £15m club record signing will miss the remainder of this campaign, pre-season training, and will not be available until the start of next season.

The Everton manager, David Moyes, said: "He's not good. He's going to have an operation. He's got a similar injury to Robin van Persie and it's probably going to keep him out for six months."

Liverpool FC Will Give Europa League Best Shot - Rafa Benitez

Rafa Benitez today promised Liverpool will make the best of a difficult situation when they return to European action later this week.

In normal circumstances, the Reds’ boss would have been preparing his side for a Champions League clash this week but events before Christmas means they have had to lower their sights.

Benitez, though, is looking forward to Thursday night’s assignment against Unirea Urziceni and insists he is preparing for the Anfield clash without any pangs for the competition with which Liverpool have become accustomed in recent years.

This, of course, will be the first time Benitez has managed a side in UEFA’s secondary tournament since he guided Valencia to the title in 2004 but he is not turning his nose up at the opportunity.

He, for one, believes Liverpool can put some momentum behind their campaign with a successful push towards the final in Hamburg and will urge his squad to give it their all before they tackle the Romanians.

“It is always difficult but when you have been a manager for a while, with different teams, sometimes you were only playing once a week, trying to avoid relegation,” said Benitez.

“When you have experience, you know all about the different feelings.

"Clearly I would prefer to be fighting for the title or for the Champions League but you must accept the situation.

“You have to be positive and turn things in your favour. Now we have another opportunity (of playing in Europe) and we must try to keep playing better.

“We have got to keep progressing in the Europa League and aim to finish as high as we can in the Premier League.”

Liverpool are favourites in some areas to lift the trophy on May 12 but Benitez is quick to point out that task facing them is far from easy.

“There are still big clubs involved,” said Benitez. “If we can get through a couple of rounds, though, I’m sure the atmosphere will be really good because the fans want to see us winning trophies.”

Rafa Reveals Seville Advice

Rafa Benitez has been getting information on Europa League opponents Unirea Urziceni from Seville manager Manolo Jimenez.

Seville faced Unirea twice in the group stages this season, winning 2-0 at home before falling 1-0 in the return.

Benitez has spoken to their gaffer ahead of the Romanian champions' visit to Anfield on Thursday.

He told Liverpoolfc.tv: "I was talking to some people at Seville, the manager. He was telling me some things about the team. The message is the same - they are well organised and have players with experience.

"I will try to win every game. People don't know the other team and it's not easy to see too much of them because they are not playing, so it will be tough. They have experience, some good players and they are well organised.

"It's important for everyone to understand that if you have an opportunity to win silverware, you have to be ready. It's a chance we have."

Rafael Benítez Wishes Liverpool Were Still 'Fighting' For Top Honours

Rafael Benítez has conceded disappointment with Liverpool's lack of "fight" in the Premier League title race and Champions League but says his side will be taking the Europa League seriously as they prepare for their first match in the competition, on Thursday.

In seasons gone by Liverpool would be preparing for a last-16 Champions League tie now, but instead they will face Unirea Urziceni of Romania at Anfield prior to a league encounter with Manchester City on Sunday.

"Clearly I would prefer to be fighting for the title or for the Champions League but you must accept the situation," said Benítez. "But you have to be positive and turn things in your favour. Now we have another opportunity [of playing in Europe] and we must try to keep playing better. We have got to keep progressing in the Europa League and aim to finish as high as we can in the Premier League."

Liverpool are among the favourites to reach the final in Hamburg on 12 May but Benítez remains cautious about his side's chances. "There are still big clubs involved," he said. "If we can get through a couple of rounds, though, I'm sure the atmosphere will be really good because the fans want to see us winning trophies."