PSV don't fool Benitez
02 Apr 2007 - 17:35:25
Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has warned his players not to under-estimate PSV Eindhoven when the two teams meet in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final encounter in Holland.
Ronald Koeman's side will be without key defender Alex for the game because of a hamstring problem while Michael Reiziger is sidelined for the rest of the season with a groin injury.
Striker Arouna Kone will also be out of a PSV side that has struggled domestically since beating Arsenal in the last 16 of the Champions League in March.
They have taken only two points from their last three Eredivisie games and were thrashed 5-1 at home by Ajax just over two weeks ago.
However, a cautious Benitez said: "Don't let anyone be fooled into thinking that PSV will not fight with everything they have got to get into the last four.
"We will not under-estimate them. They beat Arsenal in the last round and they are top of their league.
"Whatever their supposed problems are with form or injuries, they will fight for this with everything they possess, have no fears about that.
"They will know how important the Champions League is and they will fight for everything, fight to win with all they have.
"They have some defensive problems, but you never know whether that can help you.
"Alex is an important player for them and they have some problems with Kone too, but sometimes you can bring in players who do not usually play in the first team, and they do better than those they have replaced. That is also a danger."