Benitez: Criticism shows we are threat
Aug 2 2005
By Ian Doyle, Daily Post
RAFAEL BENITEZ believes his revitalised Liverpool have turned Jose Mourinho into a worried man.
The Chelsea manager has been a constant critic of the European Cup holders ever since his team were beaten by the Anfield outfit in last season's Champions League semi-final.
Mourinho claimed the best team had lost the tie and then went on to describe Liverpool's final success against AC Milan as "lucky".
His latest comments questioned the wisdom of Steven Gerrard's decision to reject Stamford Bridge and remain at Liverpool, saying the player would win more trophies in the next 10 years if he made the move south.
But Benitez claims Mourinho's outbursts are proof the Portuguese has acknowledged Liverpool are becoming a threat to Chelsea's Premiership supremacy.
"I regard it as a compliment," said the Anfield manager. "I like when people talk about us. It means they are thinking about us. Maybe it means we are more important than last season.
"I prefer to be focused on my team though and don't like to talk about other teams. I like to talk to my players.
"We are European Champions and we have Gerrard and are stronger than last season as he will be more focused and we have signed good players.
"The other clubs know we are more dangerous this season. If they talk about us it means we are a better team than we were last season. And as for Steven winning trophies, he will win more of them for us - maybe soon." Meanwhile, Benitez has played down speculation that Michael Owen could rejoin from Real Madrid.
The England international is expected to return to the Premiership in the next few weeks, with a return to Liverpool his preferred destination.
However, Benitez has reiterated a new centre-back and right midfielder remain his transfer priori-ties, effectively paving the way for Manchester United to make a move for Owen.
"Michael is a good player and a nice lad, but only he can talk about his future because I only prefer to talk about our own future," said the Spaniard.
"We already have Sinama-Pongolle, Le Tallec, Mellor, Baros, Morientes, Crouch and Cisse, so we are not thinking about bringing in another forward.
"We are looking for a centre-back and a right midfielder."
Benitez also revealed he expects Sami Hyypia to agree a new contract at Anfield, despite Newcastle United's interest in the 31-year-old central defender.
"The club is talking with Sami and talks are advancing," he said.
"I will work with Sami and his agent and Rick Parry and I think that it will get resolved."
Liverpool take on FBK Kaunas in the second leg of their Champions League second qualifying round tie at Anfield tonight, defending a 3-1 lead from the opening game.
And should they progress, the first leg of their third qualifying round tie against either CSKA Sofia or KF Tirana - Sofia lead 2-0 from last week's game in Albania - will be played away from Anfield next week after the draw was reversed.
The exact date has yet to be decided, but the return would be played on Tuesday, August 23.
New signing Mark Gonzalez is expected to arrive at Anfield later this week to formally begin his season-long loan from Albacete.
Antonio Nunez, meanwhile, has completed his move to Celta Vigo for an undisclosed fee.
