Let’s step Champions League chase up a gear - Liverpool FC boss Rafa Benitez

29 December 2009 10:00
Rafa Benitez 300[LNB]RAFA BENITEZ has urged his players to take their form up another gear as Liverpool attempt to bring 2009 to a successful conclusion.[LNB]The Reds will receive a stern examination of their Champions League credentials tonight when they tackle Martin O'Neill's improving Aston Villa side.[LNB]Liverpool got a confidence boosting win on Boxing Day when beating Wolves at Anfield but Benitez feels a big step up on that will be necessary if they are to win at Villa Park.[LNB]Form at Anfield has been good but, on their travels, Liverpool have struggled and they have only one of their last six away Premier League fixtures.[LNB]That's why the manager - who is expected to return Dirk Kuyt to his starting line-up - has called for bold performance to set them up for the second half of the campaign.[LNB]'We know we need to improve,' said Benitez. 'I have been a manager for 23 years and I know that during a season there will always be good moments and bad moments.[LNB]'The only way to change things is to keep working hard. We know the areas that we need to improve and that we have to stop making some mistakes.

Source: Liverpool_Echo