Rafa revels in confidence
24 Apr 2007 - 15:57:36
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- Rafa revels in confidence
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has warned Jose Mourinho that their recent success over his Chelsea side has left confidence sky high ahead of their Champions League meeting.
The Reds travel to Stamford Bridge for Wednesday's semi-final first leg showdown buoyed by a 2-0 success over the Blues in their last Premiership meeting back in January.
Dirk Kuyt and Jermaine Pennant were on the mark for Benitez's side in what remains Chelsea's only defeat of 2007.
But the Spanish tactician also masterminded a semi-final victory over Mourinho two seasons ago when Liverpool went on to win the Champions League.
"We are boosted by the fact that we beat them in our last meeting at Anfield, and we know that the atmosphere and support we can generate there is very important for us," said Benitez.
"I suppose I would like to be in Chelsea's position only because it means trophies would have been won.
"But if you ask me whether I would want to swap this city, my team, my club, our stadium and supporters then the answer is no."
Benitez has a virtual full-fit squad to choose from with Steve Finnan ready to return at right-back, but the former Valencia coach insists his side won't under-estimate Chelsea despite their recent success over the London club.
"Our aim is to approach this game in the same way that we did against Barcelona, we want to win and we want to score," he continued.
"It may be more difficult because Chelsea do not concede many goals.
"We go to Stamford Bridge intent on winning. We have done that both against Barcelona and PSV Eindhoven in the previous knockout rounds.
"But we do not under-estimate Chelsea. They are a very, very good side and have proved that by winning the title in the last two seasons.
"We are a better team than two years ago, maybe they are too, but for us we have more experience and we think we can do it again."