Source: Daily_Mail
Rafael Benitez: Europa League is NOT a tin-pot cup
It is still tagged on like an after-thought at the end of the midweek running order, but Rafa Benitez is adamant the Europa League is about to take Liverpool into Champions League territory in all but name, here in Benfica's Estadio Da Luz on Thursday night. [LNB]With the likes of BATE Borisov and Liepajas Metalurgs long since departed, the old UEFA Cup is finally beginning to resemble a competition worth winning and has produced a quarter-final tie that will enhance its standing still further, according to Benitez. [LNB]Liverpool may have felt their sternest European tests were behind them, after coming unstuck against Lyon and Fiorentina in the Champions League group stage, but Benitez insists trying to tame Angel Di Maria, Oscar Cardozo, Javier Saviola and Pablo Aimar will prove just as daunting. [LNB] Liverpool training[LNB]Benfica's striking 65,000-capacity stadium, and the pre-match ritual of an eagle circling the upper stands before descending towards its keeper's outstretched arm, will complete a sense of occasion Benitez is relishing. [LNB]'When you see the teams who are still in the Europa League, you realise how strong it is and how difficult it will be to win,' said the Liverpool manager. [LNB]AQUILANI OUT [LNB]Liverpool midfielder Alberto Aquilani (right) will not play in Thursday's game after he injured his ankle in training on Wednesday, and did not fly out to Lisbon with the squad.[LNB]Defender Martin Kelly, 19, will now be out for the rest of the season after his knee operation. [LNB]'That is why I prefer not to talk about going all the way. Benfica are such dangerous opponents, we cannot look any further than this tie. [LNB]'I have watched clips of their 5-0 win over Everton this season, but I know all about their team anyway. They have pace, quality, a good balance and a manager who is always pushing them on to greater heights. They don't concede many goals, but it is their attacking play, particularly from wide positions, that makes them such a threat. [LNB]'They are on fire at the moment, six points clear of the second-placed team and 11 ahead of Porto, so that tells you everything about the challenge we face. This is going to be as big a test as any of our Champions League games. [LNB] Aiming high: Liverpool forward Dirk Kuyt has a stretch in training at Melwood[LNB]'At least our form is improving. The way we have won games in style in recent weeks, perhaps Benfica will be thinking they are in for a tough time as well.' [LNB]While Saviola and Cardozo have amassed nearly 50 goals between them this season, and Di Maria's pace down the left has attracted overtures from Manchester United, Benitez's attention has been caught by Aimar. [LNB] Danger man: Benfica's Javier Saviola is the one to watch at Estadio Da Luz[LNB]Benitez became a candidate to succeed Gerard Houllier aftermasterminding an emphatic Champions League win for Valencia overLiverpool that was orchestrated by Aimar's dazzling, Lionel Messi-likeruns.[LNB]Benitez has since been dubbed a defensive strategist in some quarters, but he countered by saying: 'When you score 119 goals, as we did two years ago, and you win two Spanish titles with a flair player like Aimar operating as second striker, it doesn't exactly come across as overly cautious. [LNB] Enlarge 'I have a very good relationship with Pablo. He is a fantastic boy and very good professional who is getting back to his best after a few probems. He is being used more at home by Benfica, but he retains the ability to change games.' [LNB]Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez[LNB]Fernando Torres is just one booking away from missing a possible semi-final against Atletico Madrid or Valencia and could have his patience stretched to the limit, filling the lone striker's role against an uncompromising Benfica defence marshalled by giant Brazil centre back Luisao. [LNB]Benitez remained unperturbed, though, as he reflected on a trouble- free appearance against Sunderland on Sunday and backed his £21million man to continue keeping any frustrations in check. [LNB]'We have spoken about this side of his game,' he said. [LNB]'Fernando is experienced enough and knows what to do, if there is any provocation. [LNB]'I am not worried about him picking up a booking, because I feel he has the experience to handle any situation properly. [LNB]'He never said a word out of turn (at Sunderland) because he was on fire from the first minute. You could see he was really enjoying his football and I am sure he will be all right against Benfica.' [LNB] Aquilani to miss Benfica clash after Liverpool man is injured in trainingUnderachieving Liverpool should have been in title race all year, says Jamie CarragherRiera turns back on Spartak Moscow: move stalls over personal termsLIVERPOOL FC
