Source: Liverpool_Echo
Liverpool FC manager Rafael Benitez calls upon the spirit of Marseille at Lyon
RAFA BENITEZ today called on his players to rekindle the 'spirit of Marseille' and secure the win to keep their Champions League hopes alive.[LNB]Benitez has tasted success on each of their four occasions he has taken a Liverpool team to France, most notably when masterminding a 4-0 triumph in Stade Velodrome in December to 2007 to guarantee a place in the knockout stages.[LNB]But if the Reds are to stand any chance of reaching that phase again, Benitez knows nothing other than a win here in Lyon this evening will be good enough to keep them in the hunt in Group E. That, of course, is easier said than done, as Lyon showed themselves to be a competent side when winning 2-1 at Anfield a fortnight ago yet Benitez has faith his depleted squad can haul themselves off the canvas.[LNB]'Lyon like to attack, they score lots of goals and they have a good record at home but we have got to think about ourselves and what we can do,' said the manager.[LNB]'We know our target and that is to win. How we do it depends on the situation with some of the injuries but we will approach the game with a lot of confidence.[LNB]'If we do that, I believe we can win. We have the players to do it. Maybe it could be a similar game to Marseille a few years ago and hopefully the result will be the same.'[LNB]The Reds made the short trip across the Channel without Glen Johnson, who has remained on Merseyside for further treatment on his torn calf muscle, Martin Skrtel, Steven Gerrard, Fabio Aurelio and Albert Riera.[LNB]Johnson's absence means Jamie Carragher will shuffle across to right-back but that could change if Daniel Agger - who was forced to stand up for the majority of yesterday's flight - does not pass a fitness on his back.
