Liverpool Football Club News

• Nickname:Reds
• Founded:1892
• Manager:Kenny Dalglish

• Ground:Anfield
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Bullish Benitez backs Reds

30 Apr 2008 - 07:51:37

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Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has set his sights on the Champions League Final after accusing Chelsea of being 'lucky' in their semi-final first leg.

Chelsea secured a 1-1 first leg stalemate at Anfield last week after John Arne Riise's stoppage time own goal.

But a bullish Benitez has backed his side to reach next month's final in May ahead of Wednesday's second leg at Stamford Bridge.

"The team is ready and focused, they are concentrating on the job and confident," said the Spaniard.

"We have guaranteed fourth position (in the league) now, that has been our aim. Now we intend to go to the Champions League Final.

"Our aim is always to win trophies, that's simple, and we intend to do so this season."

Referring to the late drama in the first leg, he added: "I was really disappointed about everything after the first leg, but when I watched the match again on video I was very pleased with the performance of my team.

"I was happy with the work-rate. We played well and were the better team.

"Clearly Chelsea were lucky. Petr Cech saved them on several occasions. We had great opportunities, they were lucky.

"It will not be a fantastic achievement just to score there but to win, yes, that will rank highly in my career and the players."