Source: SKY_Sports
Aurelio backing for Benitez
Liverpool defender Fabio Aurelio has labelled Rafa Benitez one of the best managers in the UEFA Champions League.[LNB] The Reds are preparing for Tuesday's second-leg meeting with Real Madrid in the last 16 of the competition and full-back Aurelio is in a confident mood.[LNB]He feels that the proven track record of Benitez - who steered Liverpool to European glory in 2005 and also made the final two years later - stands the club in good stead.[LNB]The Brazilian also believes that the amount of homework Benitez carries out on opponents will give Liverpool - who lead Real 1-0 from the first leg - the edge. [LNB]Aurelio said: "Rafa has the knack of winning these games. I have worked with him here and in Valencia and he knows a lot about the strengths and weaknesses of any team.[LNB]Challenge"He will have been planning for this game for many days, so that when we arrive for the match we will know exactly what our jobs will be.[LNB]"And we will know how we can hurt the opposition. He is one of the best managers around in this competition.[LNB]"He has got to the final twice, and seems always to be in the last stages. That shows how good he is at planning for such big games."[LNB]Liverpool face Premier League leaders Manchester United on Saturday, live on Sky Sports 1 and HD 1 and Aurelio added: "The next two games will dictate Liverpool's future in the rest of this campaign. [LNB]"We have been working for this kind of challenge, this is a big club and we should be in this situation.[LNB]"We believe we can get to the quarter-finals and we also feel we can get ourselves back into the race for the Premier League."[LNB]
