Source: Daily_Mail
Pressure is nothing new to me, insists under-fire Liverpool boss Benitez
No worries: Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez[LNB]Rafa Benitez insists he does not feel under any added pressure following Liverpool's dramatic exit from the Champions League.[LNB]Liverpool had to settle for a place in the Europa League despite their 1-0 win against Debrecen on Tuesday night - Fiorentina's defeat of Lyon meaning they advanced instead from Group E.[LNB]For Benitez, his team get a quick shot at redemption when they take on city rivals Everton at Goodison Park on Sunday, and the Spaniard is determined to make amends for their European setback.[LNB]He said: 'We have not been able to go through to the last 16 of the Champions League, so we must make sure we double our efforts in the league.[LNB]'Then the confidence of the team will be much better, we will be able to approach league matches in a better frame of mind.[LNB]'I do not feel under any greater pressure, Liverpool are under pressure in every single game, anyway, whatever the competition. This is nothing new for me.[LNB] 'The players know we are better than our results suggest, they can see that we could have won in every game even if not playing well.'[LNB] Too little too late: David Ngog scores the winner in the victory over Debrecen[LNB]Benitez's hand has been severely weakened by injuries to star duo Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard as well as a number of other first XI regulars.[LNB]But Gerrard is now back, along with Glen Johnson, Fabio Aurelio and Yossi Benayoun, though Torres is unlikely to be ready for the short trip across Stanley Park.[LNB]Benitez said: 'Some players are fitter now. So we can manage the team and matches in a different way. If you do not have a strong bench, it is difficult to change games. Now with more options it can be easier for us in such circumstances.'[LNB] Gary Neville taunts Liverpool as Manchester United veteran blasts: You deserved to be booted out of the Champions LeagueEverton v Liverpool classics: What is your favourite Merseyside derby of all time? THE LIST: Everton v Liverpool special - Sportsmail's Merseyside derby heroes LIVERPOOL FC
