Tweet
Our nerve won’t let us down, says Rafa Benitez as he rejects Sir Alex Ferguson's Liverpool claim
By JOHN EDWARDS Last updated at 2:17 AM on 08th January 2009
Rafa Benitez has dismissed Sir Alex Ferguson's attempt to derail Liverpool's title push by claiming they will be stronger than ever in the second half of the season.
Ferguson clearly believes that Liverpool are the biggest threat to Manchester United's Barclays Premier League crown and has trained his sights on the Merseysiders and questioned whether their nerve might fail them in the title run-in.
It was a typical Fergie ploy, aimed at unsettling his biggest rivals, but Benitez made it clear he is ready to stand toe-to-toe with his United counterpart as he saluted his League leaders and explained why they will be even more formidable in the months ahead.
Scroll down for more
Head-to-head: Rafa Benitez is not falling for Sir Alex Ferguson's mind games just yet, insisting his side will be stronger than ever in the second half of the season
The Liverpool manager pointed to the gradual return to fitness of Fernando Torres, who made a scoring comeback as substitute in Saturday's 2-0 FA Cup win at Preston, and defender Martin Skrtel.
He also identified a steady improvement from key players such as Steven Gerrard and Javier Mascherano and even argued that his squad do not need strengthening during the January transfer window.
'I believe we can still improve and be stronger in the second half of the season,' said Benitez, who will return to touchline duties at Stoke on Saturday after fully recovering from his recent illness.
Scroll down for more
Finding his touch: Benitez insists the returning Fernando Torres is just shy of full match fitness
'Torres just needs minutes on the pitch, as does Skrtel, while Gerrard has been improving and Mascherano has been far better after previously not being at his true level.
'These are good signs. Lucas has done really well in midfield, so it is clear that we are going to have more options in the second half of the season, more competition for places throughout the team, which is important.
'The performances have been really good and the only problem could be keeping the right balance in the team. The players need to maintain their recent momentum but there are others, like Torres, Skrtel and Fabio Aurelio, who are on their way back and looking for time in the middle.
'It can be difficult and we will look at the requirements of each game, but one thing beyond doubt is that we are in a much better position than in previous seasons.
'It is still the case that one mistake can be massive, but we will keep analysing all the details and make sure we keep going.
'It is always difficult buying in January because new players need time to settle in and adapt. Equally, if you sell, you risk losing something. There can be no guarantees about players coming or going, but I will be happy to keep this squad intact.'
Title vow: Dirk Kuyt shares his manager's positive title-chasing sentiments
Benitez's confident mood was mirrored by Dirk Kuyt who believes that, far from crumbling under the pressure of pursuing a first title since 1990, Liverpool will become even harder to stop.
'We have made a better start than in previous seasons and are capable of building on it,' said the Holland striker.
'There are some new arrivals who have improved the squad, but the rest of us have been together for a few years now and that points to us getting better and better as the season goes on.'
More...
Print this article
Read later
Email to a friend
Share this article:
DM.has("readerComments");DM.has("debate");View all Add your comments Comments (4)
Here's what readers have had to say so far. Why not add your thoughts below?
Sir Alex Ferguson's attempt to derail Liverpool's title push claiming they will be stronger than ever in the second half of the season ... Ferguson clearly believes that Liverpool are the biggest threat to Manchester United's Barclays Premier League crown and has trained his sights on the Merseysiders and questioned whether their nerve might fail them in the title run-in. It was a typical Fergie ploy, aimed at unsettling his biggest rivals. - Yeah RIGHT, you couldn't even beat DERBY COUNTY! Ha, Ha, Some 'threat' your HAS-BEENS are Ferguson!!!
Click to rate Rating (0)
- Tommy Atkins, Moscow, Russia, 08/1/2009 08:00
I agree with Benitez. He had so much experience after winning La Liga Titles , UEFA Cup, Champions League, FA Cup, European Super Cup etc. Benitez will not be unsettled by to be unsettled by Fergie mind-games.
WIth experience players who had won bigger titles than domestic English Premier League, there is no doubt where the players stand,. With so many leaders and captains of country and clubs playing in Liverpool. Just look at Liverpool team-sheet, full of leaders like Samy Hyppia, Gerrard, Carragher, Torres, Alonso, Yossi Benayoun, Mascherano, Dirk Kuyt, Lucas Leiva, Daniel Agger, Robbie Keane, Pepe Reina; will this name sheet crumble? No way Fergie, continue dreaming. Instead be more worry Liverpool FC will pull away after this weekend by another 2 or 3 points.
If ManUtd lose to Chelsea on Sun, Liverpool will be ahead by 10 points.
That is sweet.....huh huh
Click to rate Rating 1
- Michael Lim, Sydney, Australia, 08/1/2009 03:10
In order to play mind games you have to have a brain! I dont think Lexy has one. If you remember Newcastles title charge was not derailed by Lexy it was
By JOHN EDWARDS Last updated at 2:17 AM on 08th January 2009
Rafa Benitez has dismissed Sir Alex Ferguson's attempt to derail Liverpool's title push by claiming they will be stronger than ever in the second half of the season.
Ferguson clearly believes that Liverpool are the biggest threat to Manchester United's Barclays Premier League crown and has trained his sights on the Merseysiders and questioned whether their nerve might fail them in the title run-in.
It was a typical Fergie ploy, aimed at unsettling his biggest rivals, but Benitez made it clear he is ready to stand toe-to-toe with his United counterpart as he saluted his League leaders and explained why they will be even more formidable in the months ahead.
Scroll down for more
Head-to-head: Rafa Benitez is not falling for Sir Alex Ferguson's mind games just yet, insisting his side will be stronger than ever in the second half of the season
The Liverpool manager pointed to the gradual return to fitness of Fernando Torres, who made a scoring comeback as substitute in Saturday's 2-0 FA Cup win at Preston, and defender Martin Skrtel.
He also identified a steady improvement from key players such as Steven Gerrard and Javier Mascherano and even argued that his squad do not need strengthening during the January transfer window.
'I believe we can still improve and be stronger in the second half of the season,' said Benitez, who will return to touchline duties at Stoke on Saturday after fully recovering from his recent illness.
Scroll down for more
Finding his touch: Benitez insists the returning Fernando Torres is just shy of full match fitness'Torres just needs minutes on the pitch, as does Skrtel, while Gerrard has been improving and Mascherano has been far better after previously not being at his true level.
'These are good signs. Lucas has done really well in midfield, so it is clear that we are going to have more options in the second half of the season, more competition for places throughout the team, which is important.
'The performances have been really good and the only problem could be keeping the right balance in the team. The players need to maintain their recent momentum but there are others, like Torres, Skrtel and Fabio Aurelio, who are on their way back and looking for time in the middle.
'It can be difficult and we will look at the requirements of each game, but one thing beyond doubt is that we are in a much better position than in previous seasons.
'It is still the case that one mistake can be massive, but we will keep analysing all the details and make sure we keep going.
'It is always difficult buying in January because new players need time to settle in and adapt. Equally, if you sell, you risk losing something. There can be no guarantees about players coming or going, but I will be happy to keep this squad intact.'
Title vow: Dirk Kuyt shares his manager's positive title-chasing sentiments
Benitez's confident mood was mirrored by Dirk Kuyt who believes that, far from crumbling under the pressure of pursuing a first title since 1990, Liverpool will become even harder to stop.
'We have made a better start than in previous seasons and are capable of building on it,' said the Holland striker.
'There are some new arrivals who have improved the squad, but the rest of us have been together for a few years now and that points to us getting better and better as the season goes on.'
More...
- Benitez, Torres and Kuyt return to bolster Liverpool title challenge
- Liverpool will get 'better and better', Anfield striker Kuyt warns title rivals
- Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez closes the door on transfer window signings
- LIVERPOOL FC NEWS FROM ACROSS THE WEB
Print this article Read later Email to a friend Share this article:
DM.has("readerComments");DM.has("debate");View all Add your comments Comments (4)
Here's what readers have had to say so far. Why not add your thoughts below?
Sir Alex Ferguson's attempt to derail Liverpool's title push claiming they will be stronger than ever in the second half of the season ... Ferguson clearly believes that Liverpool are the biggest threat to Manchester United's Barclays Premier League crown and has trained his sights on the Merseysiders and questioned whether their nerve might fail them in the title run-in. It was a typical Fergie ploy, aimed at unsettling his biggest rivals. - Yeah RIGHT, you couldn't even beat DERBY COUNTY! Ha, Ha, Some 'threat' your HAS-BEENS are Ferguson!!!
Click to rate Rating (0)
- Tommy Atkins, Moscow, Russia, 08/1/2009 08:00
I agree with Benitez. He had so much experience after winning La Liga Titles , UEFA Cup, Champions League, FA Cup, European Super Cup etc. Benitez will not be unsettled by to be unsettled by Fergie mind-games.
WIth experience players who had won bigger titles than domestic English Premier League, there is no doubt where the players stand,. With so many leaders and captains of country and clubs playing in Liverpool. Just look at Liverpool team-sheet, full of leaders like Samy Hyppia, Gerrard, Carragher, Torres, Alonso, Yossi Benayoun, Mascherano, Dirk Kuyt, Lucas Leiva, Daniel Agger, Robbie Keane, Pepe Reina; will this name sheet crumble? No way Fergie, continue dreaming. Instead be more worry Liverpool FC will pull away after this weekend by another 2 or 3 points.
If ManUtd lose to Chelsea on Sun, Liverpool will be ahead by 10 points.
That is sweet.....huh huh
Click to rate Rating 1
- Michael Lim, Sydney, Australia, 08/1/2009 03:10
In order to play mind games you have to have a brain! I dont think Lexy has one. If you remember Newcastles title charge was not derailed by Lexy it was