Rafa gives youth a chance
05 Dec 2006 - 14:17:01
Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez hopes that several of the club's youngsters will use the chance to play in Tuesday's Champions League Group C clash with Galatasaray to impress him.
Benitez's side have already qualified for the last 16 of the competition and the former Valencia coach has opted to leave several first-team regulars, including captain Steven Gerrard, at home rather than travelling to Istanbul.
"A Champions League game is never just a chance to go out walking, it's a time to show how well you can play at a higher level in Europe," Benitez told the club's official website.
"Some of the players would not have thought they'd get a chance to play in the Champions League this season.
"They want to show they're good enough to play at this level, and more importantly they're good enough to have a long career at Liverpool.
"(Paul) Anderson is one player who has not had opportunities with the first team this season, but he is a youngster who is learning all the time.
"This experience will help him and all the young players. No Liverpool game in Europe can ever mean nothing.
"For some of the players it's a good opportunity. A player like (Jermaine) Pennant can use the game to build confidence, which can be very important in the next Premiership game."