Source: Daily_Mail
Rafa Benitez backs Liverpool to be Euro stars in Madrid after epic train journey
Rafa Benitez believes the Europa League journey from hell can work to Liverpool's advantage in the first leg of their semi-final clash with Atletico Madrid.[LNB]Flight restrictions because of the volcanic ash problem meant the squad set offfor the Spanish capital by train yesterday (Tuesday) and, after an overnight stop inParis, were due to arrive at their destination later today.[LNB]But Benitez hopes the unusual travel arrangements and having spent so much timetogether will have helped bond the team more closely ahead of their difficult task in the Vicente Calderon.[LNB] Talking up his side's chances: Benitez faces reporters on the train[LNB]'You have to try to find the positives when you are in this kind of situation and it is vital that everyone stays together when you have a problem,' said the manager.[LNB]'Of course this isn't ideal and we would have preferred to have flown but, you never know, maybe something like this can work in your favour.[LNB]'The players are all happy, staying really positive, even though they might be a little tired, and that for a manager is positive to see.[LNB]'It has been a bit different to what we are used to but the main thing is that we have been organised.'[LNB]Midfielder Lucas Leiva admits the preparation is not ideal for what he described as his biggest match at the club.[LNB] Enlarge Here we go: Liverpool's route to the first leg of the semi-final was a long one while Fulham also faced a trek as they headed for Hamburg in the other last-four tie[LNB]'We cannot complain as this is the only option,' he said. 'UEFA didn't cancel the game so all we can do is try to bring back a good result for Anfield and give ourselves the best possible opportunity of getting to the final. We are all desperate to do that.[LNB]'It will not be easy but we have to be calm and stay focused. You just have to try to rest as much as possible to be ready for the massive game we have.[LNB]'For me, this is the biggest game since I came here. We had great games last season against Chelsea in the Champions League but now we have a chance to win a trophy.'[LNB]Benitez has discussed with midfielder Maxi Rodriguez, whom he signed from Atletico in January and is therefore ineligible for Liverpool in Europe, and his injured former Atleti striker Fernando Torres about the threat of the Spaniards.[LNB] Familiar faces: Maxi Rodriguez knows all about his former club Atletico[LNB]And despite the unorthodox preparation the Liverpool boss believes his team are more than capable of doing a job.[LNB]'They have a very good offensive team. People always talk about Sergio Aguero and Diego Forlan but they also have Simao and a good attacking mentality as a team,' he added.[LNB]'Aguero is a good player for them and is out of the first game. That could be good for us, but you never know. I am sure they will be dangerous anyway.[LNB]'I spoke with Maxi and Fernando (Torres) about them. They have some friends there so we managed to get some information about them. We have some ideas of how to stop them.'[LNB] Liverpool fans reeling as UEFA offer just 12,000 tickets if they reach finalMan United favourite Forlan plans to stick the boot in at Liverpool in Madrid Benitez lets train take the Euro strain as Liverpool head to MadridEngland v Spain would be dream final for Liverpool star Fernando TorresSteven Gerrard: Liverpool must buy four 'quality' players to return to the top PICTURE SPECIAL: From Runcorn to Madrid - Liverpool's epic journey to the Europa League semi-finalLIVERPOOL FC
