Source: SKY_Sports
Rafa taking no risks
Rafa Benitez will wait until lunchtime on Wednesday to confirm whether or not Steven Gerrard will figure against Real Madrid.[LNB] Benitez will assess the Reds captain in two upcoming training sessions before making his decision ahead of the daunting trip to the Bernabeu.[LNB]Madrid are sure to be a difficult side to overhaul having won their last nine league matches.[LNB]And with Gerrard key to Liverpool's success in the competition, Benitez is hoping his star player can overcome a hamstring problem in time for the first leg in Spain.[LNB]Risk"It will not be a gamble. If the doctor says he is okay, then it is not a risk," said Benitez.[LNB]"Steven is more mature now, he would not make a decision that would be considered a risk.[LNB]"He will be involved in light training sessions, we will not try to hide anything. We will make a decision when we are sure.[LNB]"Gerrard knows he must give something to the team, and if he cannot do that he will know he is not ready. I can trust Steven on that."[LNB]ContractGerrard's involvement in Liverpool's upcoming European exploits is not the only topic of discussion around the Reds camp, with Benitez yet to agree a new contract at Anfield.[LNB]Asked if he felt the club's progress in Europe's elite competition would affect his future on Merseyside, Benitez said: "Of course not, these are important games for us as a club.[LNB]"We have important games now and I only want to concentrate on football.[LNB]"You have to judge a manager for his career, not just for one or two games.[LNB]"This is a big (against Madrid), but not just because I used to play and work here.[LNB]"I am a professional, so I want to win with my team, that is the only motivation for me."[LNB]
