Source: Team_Talk
Rafa hoping adversity rouses his Reds
iverpool boss Rafa Benitez believes his team can gain strength from adversity as they prepare to take on Atletico Madrid in the Europa League.[LNB] Flight restrictions because of the volcanic ash problem meant the squad set off for the Spanish capital by train yesterday and, after an overnight stop in Paris, were due to arrive at their destination later today.[LNB]But Benitez hopes the unusual travel arrangements and having spent so much time together will have helped bond the team more closely ahead of their difficult task in the semi-final first leg on Thursday.[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]"We cannot complain as this is the only option," he said.[LNB]"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.[LNB]"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.[LNB]"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]And despite the unorthodox preparation the Reds boss believes his team are more than capable of doing a job tomorrow.[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."
