Finances don't concern Rafa
06 Nov 2007 - 08:20:19
Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is unconcerned about the financial pressures that may hit the club if the Reds fail to reach the knockout stages of the Champions League.
Benitez's side are rooted to the foot of the Group A table after taking only one point from games against FC Porto, Marseille and Besiktas.
Liverpool face the Turkish side at Anfield on Tuesday knowing that only a victory will keep their hopes of reaching the last 16 alive, while an early exit from the competition could see the club missing out on a minimum of £14million in revenue.
However, Benitez insists: "When you talk about a £400million stadium and the amount you get for reaching the final, then an extra £10million or so is not a big difference.
"What is important is that we progress in this competition. Football is the most important thing.
"We want to win because we want to win trophies, not because we want to save the financial situation. Of course, the owners want the money but is there a big difference between £400million and £410million?
"Every penny is important, but I don't think the Champions League will make a big difference. We want to win and we want to progress, but it would be a big mistake to think about it only in terms of money.
"I don't know if not qualifying will make a difference to my transfer budget. I was reading some papers at the weekend that said I had no money, £20million and £25million.
"Win or lose I try to stay calm. I can be disappointed, but I try to stay calm.
"If we cannot win I am the first one to analyse why and think about what we have to do, so I don't need too many people telling me. I am always analysing and trying to improve with my staff."