Benitez wants Chelsea double
Sep 27 2005
By Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo
RAFA BENITEZ today insisted the gap between Euro rivals Liverpool and Chelsea isn't as wide as the Premiership table suggests.
Liverpool's hopes of taking the title from Stamford Bridge this season appears little more than a dream on the evidence of the first few weeks. In Europe, however, it's a different story.
The pair meet in the Champions League with the Reds confident of repeating their legendary semi-final win.
And Benitez sees this week's double-header as the ideal opportunity for his side to underline both their Euro and domestic credentials.
"I don't believe the gap between Chelsea and us is as big as the Premiership table shows," insisted Benitez today.
"We have played fewer games than everyone else and we have shown we are improving. We're also going to be closer to Arsenal and Manchester United. It's true we need to improve more, but we've shown we can beat the top teams.
"A lot of people are talking about the games we've drawn, but last year we lost those games. I'd prefer to think positively because our results show we are stronger. We must have confidence in ourselves.
"Chelsea have won all their league games so far, but the gap between us in points does not reflect the difference in the teams because we have played less games.
"We beat them last season and we're confident we can do so again. I'm preparing this game in the knowledge they're a better side than last year, but we are better, too."
One problem for the Liverpool boss remains his lack of attacking options. Fernando Morientes won't be ready to make the squad.
"Morientes felt something in his hamstring yesterday so he won't be fit," said Benitez. "It's a precaution, but it's a pity because we were thinking about him for this game."
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After the events of last May, Liverpool may have a psychological edge going into tomorrow's clash. But Benitez believes the semi-final result will have no bearing on this fixture.
"I'm not thinking about the last game," he said.
"It's different because of the group situation. Both sides know if they lose it's not the end of their competition. "We always want to win, but we must also recognise the quality of the opponent and the situation of the group."
Meanwhile, Harry Kewell could make his Liverpool comeback in reserve action against Leeds at Wrexham tonight (7.00pm).
"I hope Harry will be fit to play. I need to check today before we make a decision," said Benitez.
