Liverpool Boss Rafael Benitez Confident Of Europa League Comeback After Lille Defeat - 7M sport

Liverpool Boss Rafael Benitez Confident Of Europa League Comeback After Lille Defeat

Posted Friday, March 12, 2010 by Goal.com

Reds boss praises players' attitude...

Rafael Benitez is confident of his Liverpool side's ability to overturn a 1-0 deficit from the first leg of their Europa Leauge tie against Lille.

Eden Hazard grabbed the crucial goal for the French side, although despite the loss, the Reds' boss was pleased with the way his side reacted after Monday night's disappointing loss to Wigan Athletic.

"I think it was an improvement," he said.

"The reaction has been very positive. I am disappointed with the result, but really pleased with the effort of the players.

"I have confidence we can beat anyone on a good day at Anfield. I would be worried today if the players hadn't worked as hard as they have. The fans will play a part, they will push and will be behind the team.

"Lille are a good side, with good players and they are dangerous. We will play a difficult game at Anfield but have confidence we can beat them."

Benitez did admit that the result in France could have been better, commenting on the importance of getting an away goal in European competitions.

"When you play away in these knockout competitions, you have to score when you have chances," he added.

"In any competition it is important to try and score away, particularly in this one. It is a great advantage if you do. If not you have to be strong, but I think we were strong enough today.

"We had two or three situations, so that was a pity, but the reaction was good and we still have 90 minutes to play.

"Sometimes you play well and score an early goal - then you can manage the game. If we work as hard as we did today, we can beat anyone.

"The attitude of the players was fantastic. We were talking about not letting the fans down in terms of team effort and I think we did this.

"Every game is important for us now. We have to be ready to play Portsmouth and try to win. Then we have to look to the Europa League game, that is how it is when you are a top side playing in different competitions."

Asked about Fernando Torres' form, Benitez added: "He was working hard today. You can see he has his pace coming back. But the main thing was the team and the players played at the level you expect of them."



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