Benitez: We can do better
17 Sep 2008 - 07:11:01
Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has challenged his players to improve following their 2-1 opening Champions League group win over Marseille.
The Reds fell behind at the Stade Velodrome before Steven Gerrard's brace put them into a first-half lead.
Benitez's side rode their luck in the closing stages as Marseille missed a clutch of chances and afterwards the Spanish coach spelled out the need to improve.
"We must do better and I know we can be better," he said.
"The second half when Marseille came at us and created several good openings showed that we have got the mental toughness for such a match.
"We know we can improve, the players said that in the dressing room afterwards, but we have quality and we are now in a very strong position in our group.
"We are at home to PSV Eindhoven next and, as long as we win our home matches in this group, we will qualify."
Meanwhile, Benitez was happy to give Gerrard and Fernando Torres run outs following the injury lay-offs which forced them to miss international action.
"We were able to keep Gerrard and Fernando Torres on the pitch for about an hour after their recent injuries and then it was left to the rest of the team to defend the lead," he continued.
"We did that well, everyone played their part and, although we know we can play much better, it is still an excellent start to the group."