Source: SKY_Sports
Benitez blasts United claim
Rafa Benitez has laughed off claims from Arsene Wenger that Manchester United are 'untouchable'.[LNB] And the Liverpool tactician reckons his title contenders can prove that when they travel to Old Trafford on 14th March by humbling Sir Alex Ferguson's men in their own back yard.[LNB]Arsenal boss Wenger has been so impressed with United's nine consecutive league victories the Frenchman has conceded he cannot see anyone getting near the Red Devils.[LNB]But Benitez, whose side host Manchester City on Sunday, insisted: "When I speak of facts, one is that United are a very good team and I knew they could have a run of winning games in a row. [LNB]Refute"They will win more than a lot of the other teams but to say we can't beat them? I don't think so. [LNB]"I can only talk of my team but I don't think they are untouchable. In football now every game is tough so anything can happen. [LNB]"We have reduced the gap very well and want to reduce it more. It will be difficult but if we're in the same position going to Old Trafford maybe that could be important." [LNB]Few men are better placed to talk of dispelling the status quo than Benitez, whose Valencia side broke Real Madrid and Barcelona's monopoly in Spain in 2002. [LNB]Liverpool trail United by five points - but seven years ago Los Che were even further behind Real and still won the title. [LNB]Benitez added: "In Spain we were eight or nine points behind in January and finished seven ahead. [LNB]"It's a big gap but we can reduce that by winning a few in a row. [LNB]Big dffference"We can talk about it all but we still have to do it on the pitch, though. Since I arrived there has been a massive difference. [LNB]"You can't keep the gap too big because you wouldn't have time and would be under a lot of pressure. You can talk of easy games and then afterwards it turns out they are really difficult.[LNB]"I think they will all be hard until the end of the season now. [LNB]"We just have to think we can win the next game, then the next one, and go to Old Trafford and win too. We have to think this way." [LNB]Liverpool, bizarrely for a side in second place, have scored just seven first-half goals in their last 14 home games and only led at half-time twice. [LNB]Benitez admits it is more crucial than ever to start turning pressure into goals if they are to end their 19 year wait for domestic glory. [LNB]He added: "Clearly it's better if you score first because the other team have to play higher up the pitch and it's hard to explain why we haven't. [LNB]"We have to improve but if we scored the first goal obviously it would make it easier for the team's confidence, for the fans - and for my heart!"[LNB]
