Source: Team_Talk
Rafa: Reds up for Europa League now
iverpool manager Rafael Benitez feels his players and their supporters have now discovered a real appetite for success in the Europa League.[LNB] Dropping into the second-tier continental competition after elimination from the Champions League earlier this season was almost regarded as a booby prize in some quarters.[LNB]But now after powering into the semi-finals following a stunning victory over Portuguese giants Benfica on Thursday night, Benitez senses a real hunger to claim the silverware.[LNB]The Spaniard said: "The Europa League, maybe at the beginning, the teams are not the best but when you get to the quarter and semi-finals the teams are quite good.[LNB]"It is a very good competition, especially if you can win it.[LNB]"For a lot of teams that play Champions League, they say it is not the best or not the same and we agree, especially in the beginning.[LNB]"But there are also a lot of teams that are really pleased to be here.[LNB]"We are now. It means our players have experience in Europe and we can play at the maximum level.[LNB]"I also thought the fans were behind the team and they enjoyed a lot.[LNB]"It was a great European night and hopefully the next one will be the same."[LNB]Liverpool will now play star striker Fernando Torres' former club Atletico Madrid in the last four later this month.[LNB]Atletico won through by seeing off Valencia, who were previously managed by Benitez, so victory was always going to produce an interesting tie.[LNB]"It would have been very difficult to go to Valencia or Atletico Madrid," Benitez said.[LNB]"Now we will have to go to Madrid so maybe it will be more exciting for Torres than me because he was there for a long time.[LNB]"But we know the Spanish teams are very good and it will be very difficult.[LNB]"We know a little bit about Atletico Madrid and if we have any doubt we will talk with Fernando.[LNB]"They are a good team doing very well. Quique Flores, their new manager, is improving the team.[LNB]"They had problems at the beginning but are now doing very well and have two strikers that are dangerous. It will be tough."[LNB]Torres scored twice as the Reds overturned a 2-1 deficit from the first leg against Benfica with a superb attacking performance.[LNB]Dirk Kuyt and Lucas were also on target as Benitez's side swept through 4-1 and 5-3 on aggregate.[LNB]Torres' performance came four days after he was controversially substituted in a frustrating 1-1 draw at Birmingham.[LNB]That result left Liverpool's hopes of finishing fourth in the Barclays Premier League looking increasingly slim but Benitez continued to defend the decision to remove his top scorer.[LNB]Torres, who has now scored two in four successive home games, has been troubled by a knee injury and Benitez did not want to take risks.[LNB]There was little negative reaction when Torres was again removed after 86 minutes last minutes and Benitez needs him fit for Sunday's trip to Fulham.[LNB]Benitez said: "He had problems at the beginning with his knee and it is a question of resting players if you can manage to.[LNB]"The most important game now is against Fulham and we wanted to protect Fernando.[LNB]"In the league, consistency is important so we will try to win against Fulham and be ready for the next games.[LNB]"But the Premier League is different and you never know, but we will have more confidence after this game.[LNB]"Hopefully we will play well and score more goals."[LNB]Sunday's encounter could prove a dress rehearsal for the Europa League final with the Cottagers also through to the last four and facing Hamburg.[LNB]Benitez added: "Hopefully we can see Fulham in the final and there will be two English teams there.[LNB]"That will be very good for England. Fulham are doing very well."
