BENITEZ: WE'RE BETTER THAN EVERTON

inside Anfield
By J Wade
February 4 2005

Rafael Benitez today insisted Liverpool will win the race for the final Champions League place and declared: "We're better than Everton."

The Reds remain seven points behind Everton following their fortunate victory over Norwich in midweek, but Benitez is remaining steadfast in the belief that his team will eventually overtake the Toffees.
 
And such is his confidence in his players, he hasn't even looked at the remaining fixtures for the other teams competing for that coveted fourth place.
 
"Sure, I think we are better than Everton. In my opinion we have a better team and better players," he said.
 
"But they are having a very good season and they are working very hard and winning lots of games because they have a great team spirit. But I still think we are a better team.
 
"People ask me if I've studied the schedules of other teams, but I haven't. I'm only intersted in my team and what we have to do.
 
"I didn't see the Everton game in midweek and haven't watched it since. I saw the score at the end of the game and that was it. I said to myself 'okay, it's seven points again'. What they or any other team does isn't of interest to me really.
 
"We know what we need to do and that is to reduce the gap. Even if we come to the final month of the season and there is a gap to close then we will fight to do it. I can promise you we will fight to the end.
 
"Everton have won a lot of games 1-0 this season but I am sure they will lose more games before the end. When they do we have to take advantage. That's what I mean about it being up to us. If we play well and win games then I am confident we will get fourth place. I've never changed my opinion on that."