Source: Telegraph
Liverpool must maintain Manchester United momentum and beat Aston Villa
He said: "I know how much winning at Manchester United means to our fans. You only had to be on the motorway coming home with them last weekend to realise that. [LNB]"But we must put that result behind us now and concentrate on winning against Villa. [LNB] Related ArticlesBenitez heads for busy rebuild[LNB]Benitez signs new £20m Anfield deal[LNB]Gerrard does not fear English rivals[LNB]Benitez deal is best victory of all for fans[LNB]Top 10: Footballing 'spats'[LNB]Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez admits title is Manchester United's to lose[LNB]"We are four points behind Manchester United and they have a game in hand, so only by winning every game we have left can we have a say in the title race." [LNB]Benitez has spent the last few days signing and then celebrating his new five-year contract, and has already been actively involved in discussions with agents over extending contracts of his current staff. [LNB]But the confidence will be shattered if Liverpool cannot beat a Villa side who have struggled of late to keep their own impressive season on the rails. [LNB]He said: "It is very difficult for them to continue to play at the same high level for a long time. The other teams are top sides and very strong. Villa have had a fantastic season and they are in a very good position, and they must try to stay in contention until the end. [LNB]"But Arsenal are playing better and the situation will become difficult for Villa. But it is still a good season for them. [LNB]"The players know they must win every game, that is the only way we can stay close to Manchester United. It is important to manage expectations. We must talk only of beating Aston Villa and see where that takes us." [LNB]When asked about Liverpool drawing Chelsea in the Champions League quarter-finals, Benitez said: "Manchester United must now be favourites, they have an easier draw than us. Our half of the draw is the more difficult now after this draw." [LNB]But Benitez was pleased the prospect of Liverpool having to play on the 20th anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster has now gone. [LNB]He said: "Obviously we did not want to do that and, with the second leg of our quarter-final now scheduled for London on the 14th, our wishes have been agreed with." [LNB]
