Source: Daily_Mail
'Emotion can help us' says Rafa as Liverpool look to battle back at Chelsea
The preparations were as meticulous as ever but, for once, Rafa Benitez conceded that raw emotion might also have a say in Liverpool's Champions League destiny at Stamford Bridge tonight.[LNB] While at pains to stress that the relevance of Tuesday's Hillsborough anniversary was on a different plane to overcoming a 3-1 quarter-final, first-leg deficit against Chelsea, he acknowledged that its emotional pull could draw an even greater effort from the likes of Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher.[LNB] Liverpool players observe a minute's silence to remember the 96 fans who lost their lives at Hillsborough 20 years ago[LNB] [LNB] After an emotional week Rafa Benitez still believes his side can overturn the deficit and get back into the tie at Stamford Bridge[LNB]Describing how he has become increasingly wrapped up in the way 96 Liverpool supporters lost their lives at an FA Cup semi-final with Nottingham Forest 20 years ago, Benitez said: 'Most of the players will just be focused on a very important game against Chelsea and will then reflect on Hillsborough and think about the day ahead afterwards. 'For local boys such as Stevie and Carra, though, the memory of what happened will be an extra motivation. [LNB]'Ever since I attended my first memorial service, I have come to appreciate what it means to everyone at this club. We know the odds are against us at Chelsea, but it could be an added motivation for our players to do well.' Alarm bells! Gerrard return raises hopes of miracle as Hiddink sounds warning over Chelsea's leaky defenceEssien happy to shackle Gerrard as JT warns Chelsea against complacency'Emotion can help us' says Rafa as Liverpool look to battle back at Stamford BridgeLIVERPOOL FC
