Source: Daily_Mail
Spanish flak just amuses Liverpool boss Benitez
Rafa Benitez seldom admits to being wrong and there was no apology before tonight's Anfield return over the furore surrounding Liverpool's[LNB]first-leg philosophy in their Champions League battle against Real Madrid. [LNB]The Liverpool manager may be used to criticism, but it can rarely have been as vitriolic as in the aftermath of a 1-0 win at the Bernabeu a week last Wednesday that tilted the last-16 tie firmly in favour of his side. [LNB]All the eager anticipation that had built to a crescendo gradually drained away, in Spanish eyes at least, as Liverpool followed the tried and trusted Benitez formula of stifling the home team's attacking intentions. [LNB][LNB] Happy Rafa: criticism over Liverpool's display in Madrid has reinforced Benitez's belief that his team did a good job[LNB]It worked in classic Liverpool style and Yossi Benayoun's late goalwas hardly unexpected, given Real's sagging spirits. [LNB]However, formerValencia coach Benitez was vilified by a Spanish media who were givenplenty of additional ammunition by indignant Real boss Juande Ramos. [LNB]Theformer Tottenham [LNB]manager angrily accused Liverpool of being able toplay only one way as he poured out his anger and frustration at aresult that did little for his prospects of remaining at the Bernabeubeyond this season.[LNB] Give me respect: Rafa plea as his Reds top Euro charts[LNB]Liverpool to leave it late before deciding on Torres as Rafa faces taking on Real without key trio [LNB]LIVERPOOL FC NEWS FROM ACROSS THE WEB[LNB] [LNB]Asked if he had been out-thought andout-manoeuvred by his Anfield counterpart, a seething Ramos snapped:'No. I disagree completely. Liverpool came to the Bernabeu not to playfootball but to force a 0-0 draw. On top of that, they scored from aset play and went away with an undeserved victory.[LNB] Ramos revenge: Real Madrid Juande Ramos insists his side will progress into the last eight despite falling to an 'undeserved' 1-0 first leg to opponents Liverpool[LNB] [LNB]'They willplay the same way in the return game at Anfield. I am sure of that, butif we score first, we will have a real chance of going through.'[LNB]Benitezis not the first to be panned for adopting a safety-first approach onhis travels in Europe and he won't be the last to point to thescoresheet with a quiet smile of satisfaction at mission accomplished. [LNB]Therewas no trace of regret or remorse at the opening encounter failing tolive up to its billing as one-time Real youth coach Benitez reflectedon the Spanish scorn that has been heaped on him and broke into thebroadest of grins. [LNB]'I know what they have been saying and writing and I am really happy about it,' he said.[LNB]'Really happy, because it just confirms what I already knew, that we did a very good job over there. [LNB]'Idon't care how I am perceived in Spain. All that concerns me is makingsure I am doing the right things for Liverpool to the best of myability. [LNB]'Of course, I want us to play well and in a way that is good towatch, but the priority is to win. The correct order is to win and thento play well if you can.[LNB] Eyes on the prize: Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard is fully focused ahead of his side's second leg clash with real Madrid[LNB] [LNB]'Let's see how Real approach it nowthey have a job to do. I don't think they will throw everything at usfrom the beginning, but clearly they are going to have to attack. Butit's not always as simple as that. Sometimes, in the modern game,clever people can make the difference, players who can understand andadapt if you have to change things.[LNB]'You have to have a plan B orC up your sleeve and we have shown in Europe that we have players whoare capable of putting that into practice when needs be.' [LNB]WhileBenitez may have alienated some of his fellow Spaniards, he insists heis on cordial terms with his own players, despite more suggestions thathe can be detached from them.[LNB] Head boy: First-leg match-winner Yossi Benayoun is unavailable through injury[LNB] [LNB]Match-winner Benayoun was quotedas saying Benitez chose not to join in the celebrations in theBernabeu's away dressing room, but the Liverpool manager countered:'There was some talk about me not saying "well done" to the players,but, believe me, that is not the case. Every day since I took over fiveyears ago, I have made a point of congratulating the players and stafffor what they have done. [LNB]HOW THEY LINE UPLIVERPOOL (4-2-3-1): Reina; Carragher, Skrtel, Hyypia,Dossena; Alonso, Mascherano; Kuyt, Gerrard, Aurelio; Torres.[LNB]REAL MADRID (4-4-2): Casillas; Sergio Ramos, Pepe, Cannavaro, Heinze; Robben, Diarra, Gago, Marcelo; Raul, Higuain.[LNB]Referee: Franck De Bleeckere (Belgium).TV: ITV1 from 7.30pm (kick-off 7.45).[LNB]'I am standing in the doorway of thedressing room when the players come in and always I shake their handand say: "Good effort, well done". The other day, I made a point oftelling David Ngog that not only was he playing but he would score agoal. When he did, I said to him that it was fantastic. [LNB]'If ithas a positive effect on a player, I will always do it, but some don'tneed it. Benayoun is probably one, because he is clever and knows whatI am all about. [LNB]'I am hard to please. There is a saying inSpain about a manager never being satisfied and that is probably right.If I look unemotional on the touchline when we score a goal, it isbecause my mind is on how we can improve. I am actually celebratinginside, but I am always thinking about what we could do better. [LNB]'WouldI ever be completely satisfied? Maybe if we scored five goals and didnot concede. There again, I would probably find fault somewhere.'[LNB] Give me respect: Rafa plea as his Reds top Euro charts[LNB]Liverpool to leave it late before deciding on Torres as Rafa faces taking on Real without key trio [LNB]LIVERPOOL FC NEWS FROM ACROSS THE WEB[LNB] [LNB] [LNB]
