Reds never give up, insists Rafa

01 May 2010 15:53
Rafael Benitez has insisted Liverpool "never give up" ahead of their Premier League clash with Chelsea at Anfield on Sunday.[LNB] If Chelsea had any doubts about what sort of reception awaits them at Anfield on Sunday, their manager Carlo Ancelotti was reminded by Liverpool counterpart Benitez of Istanbul.[LNB]The 2005 Champions League final was the first time the two coaches had met and Benitez famously came out on top as his side turned around a 3-0 half-time deficit to win on penalties.[LNB]Ancelotti has since had his revenge, winning the trophy against the Reds in Athens two years later, and his team also claimed the honours at Stamford Bridge earlier this season in the Premier League.[LNB]But any suggestion Liverpool, weary from their extra-time Europa League semi-final exit to Atletico Madrid, will not be up for the fight has been dismissed from within Anfield - where Chelsea have won just three times in 17 Premier League visits.[LNB]Benitez, who has great respect for Ancelotti, said: "He is doing a really good job at Chelsea.[LNB]"In Istanbul, AC Milan did everything that they had to do, but the problem for them and Ancelotti was they were playing against Liverpool and we never give up.[LNB]"Everyone is down (after the Europa League disappointment) so we have to rest but hopefully we will see a good reaction.[LNB]"It will be difficult because some people will be a little bit tired but we have to show a good face.[LNB]"Chelsea are totally different to Atletico but we want to win so we have to play with an offensive mentality."[LNB]It was not the lack of goals which ultimately cost them a place in a third European final in six seasons, but the away goal they conceded having got themselves into a winning position.[LNB]Benitez knows his defence will have to be on their guard against the free-scoring Blues, who put seven past Stoke last weekend.[LNB]"Hopefully we can control the game and not give silly fouls away," he added.[LNB]"We can't give them too many chances and we have to defend well."[LNB]The Spaniard can only look on in envy at the resources Ancelotti has at his disposal.[LNB]While the Chelsea boss has a host of established internationals providing plenty of options, Liverpool will go into the game with at least four senior players absent through injury and a substitutes' bench which is likely to include a trio aged 21 or under.[LNB]"Chelsea are a very strong side. They have a lot of quality and we have played them a lot over the years," added Benitez.[LNB]"They are a good team; they were in a very good position in December, January; after that they dropped some points but again they are doing well and scoring a lot of goals.[LNB]"They have players with experience, which is more important than being old, and they can change one or two and still have a lot of experience and quality on the pitch and that is a big difference.[LNB]"They have quality and confidence and they will push from the beginning."

Source: Team_Talk