Benitez hopeful of repeat
21 Feb 2008 - 10:41:50
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- Benitez hopeful of repeat
Rafael Benitez is hoping history can repeat itself and Liverpool can win the Champions League despite struggling with their Premier League form.
The Reds took a giant stride towards a place in the quarter-finals after securing a 2-0 first leg last 16 advantage over Internazionale at Anfield on Tuesday.
In the Premier League, the Merseysiders have failed to capture the same heights and they currently trail leaders Arsenal by a massive 19 points.
However, Benitez is hoping this season can mirror 2005 when the Reds finished fifth in the table but went on to be crowned European champions with a thrilling Champions League Final victory over AC Milan.
"There is the prospect of history repeating itself with us going for a European final when we are not in the title race," he told the club's official website.
"But I would prefer not to think that far ahead, I always say 'one game at a time' and never has that phrase been more appropriate.
"We have made it very difficult for Inter now, two goals and a clean sheet.
"But they have a lot of good players and we will need to show plenty of respect and approach the game with confidence, but no complacency.
"The victory was important for the club. We needed to play well for our own people, and the attitude of the players was very good. The whole night was really important for everyone at Liverpool.
"Everyone knew we needed to perform well, that was really the point after so much had been said about us.
"I have always had confidence in the team. If we can play like we did against Inter over and over again, it will be good and we will win a lot of games.
"Now we have another important league game at the weekend at home to Middlesbrough. What we need to be is more consistent now."