Manager Rafael Benitez urges Liverpool FC to stay focussed
10 Feb 2010 - 09:00:00
RAFA BENITEZ today urged his squad to maintain maximum focus to open up the prospect of them overhauling third-placed Arsenal.
Liverpool face Arsene Wenger's side at The Emirates Stadium looking to capitalise on their hard-fought Merseyside derby success and extend their unbeaten run to an eighth game.
The sequence they have put together since beating Wolverhampton Wanderers on Boxing Day has lifted them from seventh place into fourth but a victory tonight would enhance their hopes of climbing further still.
Benitez, though, is refusing to get sidetracked by thoughts of where Liverpool could end the campaign and his only aim for the moment is plotting for what could be the club's first win at Arsenal in a decade.
'The main thing when you are in a bad position is always send the same message - just take one game at a time and be calm as it is a long race,' said Benitez.
'Now that we are in a little better position, you cannot change. The only idea is to get three points in the next game then have a look at the way the table is.
'I will not waste too much time looking into the future. The priority is to do well and I'm sure if we can keep our focus that will happen.
'The difference between the sides chasing fourth place is minimal and we have got to make sure we keep it going. Things can change quickly, so you cannot be relaxed.
'We might have done well in the last seven games but we cannot just think that is the end. There are still many games to play and we have to look at the big picture.'
