Rafa sets victories target
18 Sep 2007 - 07:58:44
Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has targeted four wins in Group A as the requirement for the Reds to qualify for the knockout stages of the Champions League.
Ahead of the clash with FC Porto in Portugal, Benitez is looking for three home wins and one on the road in a group completed by Marseille and Besiktas.
He told reporters: "It is clear that the perfect situation is to get to the last game and already be qualified for the next stage.
"Last season we achieved that, and by the time we went to Galatasaray for the last group match, we had already qualified.
"This is something we must achieve regularly. The way to do that is to win from the very first match in the group, if you do that it is easier to manage the rest of the Champions League games.
"I feel we need 12 points to get through to the next stage. Some people say ten is enough, but if we win our three home games and then achieve one away win, that should be enough.
"So it is important that we win early in the group and not have to depend on the last match. It is best to have the points now, that is what you need and that is why we aim to win here in Porto.
"I know the group and the quality of the teams, it will be difficult but we know what we need to do.
"We have confidence and experience in Europe, we should be able to manage the situation."