Source: Team_Talk
Benitez ready for Reds travel chaos
Rafael Benitez is confident Liverpool will cope with the upheaval surrounding travel for the Europa League semi-final against Atletico Madrid.[LNB] UEFA have ruled the first leg will go ahead on Thursday and so the Reds have had to make plans to cover much of the 2,600-mile trip to Madrid overland, with the last part of the journey involving a flight from Bordeaux airport.[LNB]It means the squad currently plan to depart on Tuesday afternoon by rail with an overnight stop in Paris and a scheduled arrival in the Spanish capital 24 hours after they set off.[LNB]There is, however, an option to switch to a plane in London if European airspace is re-opened.[LNB]Plans for their return are still to be finalised, which leaves preparations for Sunday's 3pm kick-off at Burnley up in the air.[LNB]"We will not have too many days to be ready for an important game but hopefully the journey will be good," said Benitez after his side's 3-0 victory over West Ham at Anfield.[LNB]"We can try to prepare plan A and plan B. Everything is ready and we will go on Tuesday.[LNB]"There are not too many options (for postponing the game). We have to manage now.[LNB]"We have to go and it depends on the airports; if they are open we can fly and it will be easier.[LNB]"But we have to go by train to London just in case and then we will see.[LNB]"It is well organised. We have to be there early but it is not a problem."[LNB]Liverpool made it 10 successive victories at Anfield as former Hammers midfielder Yossi Benayoun and David Ngog put the hosts 2-0 up in the first half before goalkeeper Robert Green's unfortunate own goal finished off his side after the break.[LNB]That lifted them to within five points of fourth-placed Tottenham and Benitez has still not given up on snatching Champions League qualification despite there being only three games left.[LNB]"We have to keep doing our job. It will be more difficult now because Tottenham won (against Chelsea), normally you would not expect them to win," he said.[LNB]"But we have to be in a good position if they make a mistake.[LNB]"West Ham started the game pushing but as soon as we scored the first goal it was easier, we had more chances and we scored the second goal and the third one killed the game.[LNB]"It was important to score and control the game."
