Rafa issues Wigan warning
20 Apr 2007 - 16:36:51
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has warned his squad that they are effectively playing for their Champions League places in Saturday's Premiership clash with Wigan Athletic.
The Reds face Chelsea in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final showdown at Stamford Bridge next Wednesday with Benitez demanding full concentration for the visit of a side struggling at the wrong end of the Premiership table beforehand.
The Spaniard is concerned that some of his players have taken their eye off the ball in recent weeks and has thrown down a European challenge to those not full focused on domestic matters.
"I hope all my players believe they are playing for a place in the side at Chelsea," said Benitez.
"Our idea this season has been to bring in new players so that we have two for every position - and that means competition which is what we now have.
"That is good for the team. If the players work harder and have more quality then you can win more games.
"We need to beat Wigan to make sure of the Champions League next season.
"That is the idea preparation for us because it means the players have to keep going, keep winning and they know they are trying to keep their position in the team.
"I will field a strong side against Wigan, it is important we do that and win before we go to Chelsea.
"But Wigan work so hard, their manager was watching our win over Middlesbrough on Wednesday, so I expect them to be well prepared and to have a plan against us."