Rafa Benitez challenges team to make Anfield a fortress: Liverpool FC latest

24 August 2009 06:00
RAFA BENITEZ has challenged his Liverpool players to turn Anfield into a fortress this season. Seven home draws proved costly in last season's title race but the Reds boss believes it is again becoming a ground for opposition players to fear. Last Wednesday's 4-0 thrashing of Stoke took Liverpool's goal tally to a remarkable 28 in their last eight home matches. Benitez is banking on the same high tempo attacking approach to pay off against Aston Villa tonight. 'We have talked about trying to push teams from the beginning at Anfield,' Benitez said. 'If we can create some chances in the first few minutes it sends out a good message. It's important to show teams our desire to win. At home we have fantastic fans behind us pushing us on. 'It's vital our home form is good. Teams already know that coming to Anfield is difficult and the more games we win the more difficult they will realise it is.' Villa were thrashed 5-0 on their last visit to Anfield back in March when Steven Gerrard scored his first league hat-trick. It was one of the Reds' best performances of the season and Benitez wants his players to reach those heights again tonight. 'We were on a good run at that time, we played really well and scored a lot of goals,' Benitez said. 'That was very positive and hopefully we can play at that level against Villa once again. The confidence of the players is high after the Stoke game but this will be a totally different game. 'Villa are a good team with quality and pace. They also have plenty of experience. 'But now we have more confidence I think it might be easier to play better.'

Source: Liverpool_Echo