BOSS: WE'RE OVER OUR ATHENS AGONY
Rafael Benitez is confident his players have banished memories of their Athens agony as they look to take the first step towards more European glory against Porto tonight.
Just four months after losing in the final to AC Milan, Liverpool embark on another continental adventure with high hopes of reaching Moscow next May.
Having improved his squad over the summer, the Reds' boss is convinced there'll be no hangover from their defeat in the Greek capital when they kick off their group stage campaign this evening.
"Every year you think about the differences you can make to the team to improve, and we did this after the final in Athens last season," said Benitez.
"We are a different Liverpool in some ways because the team is better than before. I was pleased with the team that took us to the final, but I'm more pleased now because of the players we can use.
"Tactically, the players know what to do because they have a lot of experience in Europe. Some players may change, but the side knows the right way to play.
"For me, this first game can be just as important as the final because we need to start winning quickly in this competition if we want to progress. I can see the team is confident in every game, whether it's the league or Champions League.
"I don't think we have more pressure on us because of what we've achieved in the past in Europe. Our record shows we have experience of playing well, but this is a new season and we must start again." |
發表於 2007-9-18 09:47 PM
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