Reds won't practice pens

Liverpool Echo, 19 May 2005 Reds won't practice pens By Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo

RAFA BENITEZ claims Liverpool won't practise penalties ahead of next week's Champions League final.

The Anfield boss believes it's a waste of time organising spot-kick takers before the trip to Istanbul as nothing can prepare a player for such an ordeal.

Liverpool won their last European Cup on a penalty shoot-out against Roma in 1984, after the senior squad famously missed all their attempts in practise the previous afternoon.

Benitez says courage rather than skill determines who'll step up if necessary.

"I don't believe in practising penalties. In my opinion, the most important factor is how you feel on the day, not if you look good taking a penalty in training," said Benitez.

"You can look the best in practise, but then when you're in front of all the people inside the stadium, you may get afraid.

"I don't go into a game like this thinking it's going to go to penalties. I only think about winning the match. Maybe if we get to extra time, then I'll consider who takes penalties."

The Reds fly to Turkey on Monday, but Benitez is determined to make the build-up as orthodox as usual.

However, this afternoon Liverpool's players took the unusual step of returning to the hallowed Anfield turf for a final time this season to host a training session open to media from across the world.

"We're training as normal. The only difference is there are more journalists around," said Benitez.

-- "My philosophy is that the club is more important than anyone!" - GZrard Houllier