Benitez on Liverpools match against Blackburn

By Kate7
March 16 2005

Liverpool play Blackburn tonight at Anfield, and Rafa Benitez has been talking about the importance of this match and Sundays derby. The players must stay focussed on tonights game.

They must win that before looking to the derby. It will take them three points nearer to Everton and will be a confidence boost going in to the crunch match against the Blues.

Rafa told liverpool.tv

"If we win, we will narrow the gap. If we don't win, it will be difficult. But I always say the same, we will keep on fighting to the end," he said.

"I joked that Christmas was supposed to be an important time for us, then the month after that. But we know if we win these two games we will be very, very close to Everton.

"We would have more possibilities and it would be easier for me to motivate the players.

"The players know how important this week will be, but I don't want to talk too much about the two games because the first thing is to win the first game.

"For me it is important to have the players concentrating on this game because the other one, the second game against Everton, is easy because the atmosphere will be fantastic and it will be easy for me to motivate the players. For me it is more important to win this first game.

"Blackburn are aggressive and they know what to do. They play good, counter-attacking football and we know it will be a tough game. We have been in training for the past two days with a clear idea of how to play them."

Benitez has also revealed he has brought a sense of fun to the players' work over recent days as he bids to keep them fresh and motivated for the challenges which lie ahead.

"We have been playing basketball," he said. "We have tried to do something different in training. After Champions League games and important matches like the final of the Carling Cup, you know you need to relax.

"We have been playing basketball and mixing up the teams with staff and players. The players have enjoyed it, then we completed two normal training sessions yesterday when the players have done very well and concentrated.

"We need to do this because we know this is a very important week."