RAFA HAILS PLAYERS ON SPECIAL NIGHT
Steve Hunter 03 May 2005
Rafael Benitez thanked the Liverpool players and the supporters for creating how he described as a truly special night at Anfield as Liverpool beat Chelsea to reach the Champions League Final in Istanbul.
Benitez said the atmosphere was as good as any he has witnessed in his career as a manager.
Benitez said: "I want to thank the players and the supporters because this was a really special night for us. The players are jumping up and down in the dressing room and you need to enjoy the moment. I always knew we had the best supporters in England but in Europe as well, the world!
"We played at a high tempo and got an early goal. I thought it should have been a penalty and a red card for the goalkeeper but Luis scored. We put them under pressure but then in the second half we came under pressure but we defended magnificently.
"The only problem in the second half was we couldn't keep hold of the ball and I brought Cisse and Kewell on to do that and they worked hard for us.
"I don't like to single out players as the whole team were fantastic but Dietmar Hamann hasn't played for almost two months and he did very well. We defended really well with Carra and Sami clearing second balls.
"I am so proud of my players and now we are in the final of the Champions League and we have a possibility of winning another trophy for this club."
Asked was he worried about the six minutes of stoppage time when Eidur Gudjohnsen almost scored and the complaint from Mourinho when he disputed Garcia's goal, Benitez was quite philosophical.
Benitez said: "Well yes I was worried but I was also worried when Cisse missed two good chances to score. I haven't seen the goal again on television but if the referee didn't play the advantage then it's a penalty and a red card for the goalkeeper."
Mourinho also suggested that Chelsea were by far the better team on the night but Benitez quipped: "We are in the final. They beat us three times by the odd goal this season and we beat Chelsea tonight. I am a very proud manager."
Benitez.. Class master tactician .. utter gem ..
and i take names. You're in my pocket. Shut your mouth. Rest your gums. I own you bitch.''
ok 