Benitez ready to show the gap between Liverpool and United is closing

14 March 2009 12:25
We did not require a Freud not even a Clement, never mind a Sigmund to work out Sir Alex Ferguson's motives yesterday as he assessed the main threat to Manchester United[LNB]and eulogised Arsene Wenger. [LNB]Arsenal[LNB], it might be noted, have fallen way off the pace in the Barclays Premier League this season, but that didn't stop Ferguson putting years of animosity to one side and saluting his old foe's longevity in north London. [LNB]At the same time, the United boss pointedly refused to part with a single compliment when asked to analyse Rafa Benitez's impact so far at Anfield. [LNB] On the attack: Ferguson's silence over Benitez's impact at Liverpool spoke volumes[LNB]  Fergie's fall-guy: Sir Alex pours scorn on Rafa and his rants[LNB]Manchester United v Liverpool: It doesn't get any bigger or better than this[LNB]What they say about the biggest rivalry in English football[LNB]English football's greatest rivalry: A trip down memory lane as Manchester United and Liverpool square up[LNB]Rooney: I hate Liverpool and Man United will put an end to their title dreams[LNB]Ferguson stands by Rooney over Manchester United striker's 'I hate Liverpool' jibe[LNB]Zidane: Forget Ronaldo and Messi, the best player in the world is Liverpool star Gerrard[LNB]MANCHESTER UNITED v Liverpool: Sir Alex to make changes for crunch clash[LNB]LIVERPOOL FC NEWS FROM ACROSS THE WEB[LNB]MANCHESTER UNITED FC NEWS FROM ACROSS THE WEB[LNB][LNB]Ferguson's silence spoke volumes for the way Liverpool[LNB]are continuing to emerge as the best-equipped challengers to United's dominance, at home as well as abroad. [LNB]Their pedigree in Europe cannot be questioned after being Champions League winners and runners-up since Benitez took over less than five years ago. Significantly, the more elusive prize of the Premier League is also looking increasingly attainable after a season that has encouraged the normally cautious Liverpool manager to talk up his side's credentials. [LNB]In an attempt to galvanise his players in the run-up to Christmas, he claimed they would be '80 per cent' there if they could hold on to top spot, a feat they managed with ease after putting eight goals past Bolton[LNB]and Newcastle[LNB], with just one conceded. [LNB]Benitez looks like being 100 per cent wrong, of course, after a spate of costly draws let United in, but he remains supremely optimistic the defending champions will be overhauled before he is finished at Liverpool. [LNB]Speaking ahead of a visit to Old Trafford today that could eliminate Liverpool from this season's race once and for all, Benitez said: 'After the way we played with pace and intensity against Real Madrid in midweek, everyone has been asking why we cannot do the same in the Premier League every time, and how we managed to lose to Middlesbrough[LNB]the other week. [LNB] Job done: Benitez shakes hands with Fernando Torres after Tuesday's demolition of Real Madrid[LNB]'Don't forget, as a measure of how we have improved this season, Middlesbrough was only our second defeat in the League. The problem has been when teams have come to Anfield and put 10 players behind the ball. [LNB]'It's not that we haven't approached these games with the same intensity and determination, but there just isn't the same space to create things. [LNB]'You have to be so precise with your passing, and when chances come along you have to take them. The first goal is massive in games like these, but we are getting closer. We need to be more consistent on the pitch but, really, the margins have been small this season. We are going to get a lot closer and that will be a huge motivation for everyone here to go all the way.' [LNB] Hop to it: Gerrard and Dirk Kuyt train [LNB]Liverpool were well beaten at Old Trafford last season, but Benitez is backing Tuesday night's irresistible Champions League pairing of Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres to deliver again and spark new life into what has turned into a one-sided title battle. [LNB]'It will be different this time because we have a much better squad than last season,' he said. 'If we play at the same level as against Real, we can beat anyone, United included. Torres and Gerrard are both fit and very important to us. [LNB]'If we can keep them fit and combining the way they did on Tuesday, it is going to be great for us. It is going to be very difficult for United to stop them. [LNB]'Confidence is very high throughout the team after what we did to Real, and I've a feeling Torres and Gerrard are in the mood to show their true capabilities at Old Trafford.'  Fergie's fall-guy: Sir Alex pours scorn on Rafa and his rants[LNB]Manchester United v Liverpool: It doesn't get any bigger or better than this[LNB]What they say about the biggest rivalry in English football[LNB]English football's greatest rivalry: A trip down memory lane as Manchester United and Liverpool square up[LNB]Rooney: I hate Liverpool and Man United will put an end to their title dreams[LNB]Ferguson stands by Rooney over Manchester United striker's 'I hate Liverpool' jibe[LNB]Zidane: Forget Ronaldo and Messi, the best player in the world is Liverpool star Gerrard[LNB]MANCHESTER UNITED v Liverpool: Sir Alex to make changes for crunch clash[LNB]LIVERPOOL FC NEWS FROM ACROSS THE WEB[LNB]MANCHESTER UNITED FC NEWS FROM ACROSS THE WEB[LNB][LNB]  

Source: Daily_Mail