RAFA: OUR FANS CAN MAKE THE DIFFERENCE

Kopites
By
February 17 2006

Rafa Benitez believes 'the best fans in the world' can help Liverpool into the quarter finals of the FA Cup at the expense of Manchester United tomorrow.

The eagerly anticipated Cup clash between the sides is the highlight of the fifth round ties and comes hot on the heels of Liverpool's league defeat at Old Trafford which sparked manic celebrations from Gary Neville in front of the Reds' fans.
 
Neville is sure to encounter a frosty reception from the home supporters tomorrow, but Benitez is more concerned with ensuring his team deliver the goods on the field.
 
"If people are talking about the game and the goals we've scored to win after the match, I will be happy. If people are talking about other incidents, I will be disappointed," said Benitez.
 
"I know our supporters are the best in the world and they are very clever. They know it's always better to support your own team and not become distracted by other things. It's better for everyone to focus on a very difficult game.
 
"My idea is always the same. I think about my team and my supporters and don't talk too much about the other team."
 
He added: "Before we played Arsenal people were talking about our record against the top sides, but little by little we've been making the improvements we need to get to a level to beat them.
 
"We all remember the game at Old Trafford and how well we played. I think it will be a different game at Anfield.
 
"I think being at home is a big advantage to us because our fans make a big difference. In a tough game, the players get help when the crowd is behind them.
 
"We'll try to play with the same ideas we had against Arsenal. We had 24 shots on goal to their six."