Benitez: Hostility won't be repeated in Cup semi

Benitez: Hostility won't be repeated in Cup semi

Mar 25 2006

By Ian Doyle, Daily Post

LIVERPOOL manager Rafael Benitez insists there will be no repeat of the rancour that has tainted the last two meetings with Chelsea when they face off next month for a place in the FA Cup final.

Yesterday's draw for the semi-finals pitted the sides together for the fifth time this season and the 10th time since Benitez took charge at Anfield in the summer of 2004.

Chelsea have won all five domestic fixtures in that time - including last season's Carling Cup final - while Liverpool, though unbeaten in four European clashes, have beaten Jose Mourinho's side just once.

The semi-final clash between the two rivals on April 22 will kick-off at 5.15pm and will be screened by the BBC.

Pepe Reina was controversially sent off in the league game at Stamford Bridge in February with Benitez accusing Chelsea winger Arjen Robben of diving to ensure the goal-keeper was dismissed.

And Michael Essien escaped a red card - but ultimately received a three-match European ban - following a poor tackle on Dietmar Hamann in the Champions League game in December.

Chelsea were under the microscope again this week with Shaun Wright-Phillips accused of 'simulation' in their FA Cup quarter-final against Newcastle, resulting in Robbie Elliott being dismissed.

But Benitez said: "I know people will build this up as a game between Benitez and Jose Mourinho, but it is the players who are the stars, not the managers."

Benitez added: "And there will be a lot of talk about the match, but I know Chelsea will behave like we will, with respect for the opposition.

"When the difference on the pitch is not that big, then small details are the difference and the small details can be a problem.

"But I don't think that diving will be a concern. I think everyone knows the situation now and the players will be more concerned about the game than any diving.

"There are good referees now watching the television and reading the newspapers. They know what they must do. The fact it has been highlighted a lot now will help them."

Benitez believes the regular meetings between the teams is a sign that Liverpool are challenging Chelsea for supremacy both at home and abroad.

"I think it will be a very difficult game for both teams, but I think it is normal that when you are challenging for trophies that you play the best team," he said.

"A positive for us is that we have played them 10 times and that shows we are also challenging for trophies. Liverpool and Chelsea will always be trying to win trophies, so we will keep meeting like this.

"When you play a team, you try to know everything about them. But after 10 games it is difficult to surprise them as they will know a lot about us and we will know a lot about them.

"It's not easy to play every game at 100% and they have a lot of good players. It's always difficult to play Chelsea."

Middlesbrough or Charlton Athletic will play West Ham United at Villa Park the following day at 4pm in the other semi-final, with Sky Sports broadcasting the fixture.