Rafa speeks on olympiakos
Posted: Mon Sep 27, 2004 9:38 pmPress: Rafa, can you tell the situation regarding Harry Kewell's fitness?
Rafael Benitez: He's okay now, although not yet one hundred per cent. I have to talk with him and the doctor before deciding if he plays. I told him back in Liverpool that we need him but we'll have to wait and see.
Is the team approaching the level you want them to be at?
We have a long way to go and must improve more.
Do you believe Liverpool can beat Olympiacos?
We always think we can win. I'm sure it will be a difficult game but, of course, I'm confident we can win.
How do you explains Liverpool's poor away form so far this season?
It's difficult to explain and we hope that changes for the better soon, starting here in Athens against Olympiacos.
Are the two Brazilian's - Rivaldo and Giovanni - the main concern for you in the Olympiacos team?
Olympiacos play with eleven players and all are dangerous to us. They have many good players.
Do you see this game as an ideal opportunity to take control of the group?
All the games in the Champions League give us the opportunity to improve our levels. These games are very important and the players' thinking is always to win.
Have you decided on your starting eleven for the game yet?
I have an idea but I cannot say here at this press conference. I like to work with all the players and they will not know who will be in the team until one hour before kick-off.
Are Liverpool going to play to win or not to lose?
I do not know how to play for a draw. I only know how to play for a win. Sometimes you play to win but end up with a draw but that is never our aim.
Do you think nine points will be enough to ensure qualification from this group?
Nine points may not be enough, perhaps we will need more.
With Steven Gerrard out injured can we assume that Xabi Alonso will play a more offensive midfield role and Didi Hamann a more defensive midfield role?
You talk about Alonso and Hamann but I have not yet decided who will play. The fact that Steven Gerrard is not here also provides opportunities for the likes of Salif Diao and other players.
Liverpool were known as one of the best teams in Europe during the 70s and 80s but that reputation is no longer. Under your guidance do you think Liverpool can recreate those glory days again?
I have been in Liverpool only two or three months and so cannot talk about the past too much. Everyone knows about the history of this club and it's still respected throughout the world. If we can reach those same levels and win lots of trophies that will be wonderful. But to do that we must work hard each week and see what happens.
Since Greece won Euro 2004, do you believe all foreign coaches now respect the Greeks more?
I don't know about other coaches, but me, I always have a lot of respect for our opponents. I know some of the Olympiacos players from my time in Spain and we've watched videos of them. The atmosphere in the stadium should be great and we are all looking forward to the game.
Which two teams will qualify from this group?
This question provides me with an opportunity to use an expression I learnt the other day. I don't have a crystal ball. I cannot predict the future.
Rafael Benitez: He's okay now, although not yet one hundred per cent. I have to talk with him and the doctor before deciding if he plays. I told him back in Liverpool that we need him but we'll have to wait and see.
Is the team approaching the level you want them to be at?
We have a long way to go and must improve more.
Do you believe Liverpool can beat Olympiacos?
We always think we can win. I'm sure it will be a difficult game but, of course, I'm confident we can win.
How do you explains Liverpool's poor away form so far this season?
It's difficult to explain and we hope that changes for the better soon, starting here in Athens against Olympiacos.
Are the two Brazilian's - Rivaldo and Giovanni - the main concern for you in the Olympiacos team?
Olympiacos play with eleven players and all are dangerous to us. They have many good players.
Do you see this game as an ideal opportunity to take control of the group?
All the games in the Champions League give us the opportunity to improve our levels. These games are very important and the players' thinking is always to win.
Have you decided on your starting eleven for the game yet?
I have an idea but I cannot say here at this press conference. I like to work with all the players and they will not know who will be in the team until one hour before kick-off.
Are Liverpool going to play to win or not to lose?
I do not know how to play for a draw. I only know how to play for a win. Sometimes you play to win but end up with a draw but that is never our aim.
Do you think nine points will be enough to ensure qualification from this group?
Nine points may not be enough, perhaps we will need more.
With Steven Gerrard out injured can we assume that Xabi Alonso will play a more offensive midfield role and Didi Hamann a more defensive midfield role?
You talk about Alonso and Hamann but I have not yet decided who will play. The fact that Steven Gerrard is not here also provides opportunities for the likes of Salif Diao and other players.
Liverpool were known as one of the best teams in Europe during the 70s and 80s but that reputation is no longer. Under your guidance do you think Liverpool can recreate those glory days again?
I have been in Liverpool only two or three months and so cannot talk about the past too much. Everyone knows about the history of this club and it's still respected throughout the world. If we can reach those same levels and win lots of trophies that will be wonderful. But to do that we must work hard each week and see what happens.
Since Greece won Euro 2004, do you believe all foreign coaches now respect the Greeks more?
I don't know about other coaches, but me, I always have a lot of respect for our opponents. I know some of the Olympiacos players from my time in Spain and we've watched videos of them. The atmosphere in the stadium should be great and we are all looking forward to the game.
Which two teams will qualify from this group?
This question provides me with an opportunity to use an expression I learnt the other day. I don't have a crystal ball. I cannot predict the future.
- I think Rafa and Jose Mourinho give the best answers to the media. Post you thoughts/comments on the interview.
