'Make or break' for Rafa

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Last updated: 21st November 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

'Make or break' for Rafa

Rafa: Big game

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Rafa Benitez admits Liverpool's game with Manchester City is 'make-or-break' for their season.

The Reds chief has seen his side lose five times in the league already this season.

And now he admits that their clash with City is crucial to their hopes of Champions League football.

"This is a big game, an important game. But then all Liverpool games are important. But this could be described as a make-or-break game for our season," admitted Benitez.

"We are aware of City's ambitions. They have spent some money on good players and they also have a good manager with experience.

"It will be tough, and important for us to win particularly with the Champions League game away to Debrecen next week. A good win will give us all confidence for that.

"We want to progress and we want to be higher in the table. We want to continue playing big teams and playing for something important.

"But it is too early to talk about final league positions, but clearly it is a big game for both clubs. But we must be confident we can win.

"I am not amongst the managers, 80 per cent I am told, in the Premier League who believe City will finish in the top four. We will be in the top four.

"We have to play well, and if we can play at the same level we had to beat Manchester United, we can beat anyone.

"I am not concerned about what critics say, only what is going on in my dressing room and the performance of my team.

"We have to win to get closer to the top of the table. We must keep winning to stay close to City, Aston Villa, Tottenham. If we do that it will give the players confidence.

"If we win games, and we have players back from injury, it will help create a very positive mood at the club.

"The aim is to kick-start our season. We must improve and a win will be a real lift for everyone."

No envy

Benitez insists he does not look at City's financial power with envy, and says Liverpool need to concentrate on their own future.

"We know City have money and they have spent a lot, but we must not just keep looking at what they are doing.

"We have to concentrate on what we can do on the pitch against them, but I accept they are doing a good job.

"What we have to do is to keep going, keep playing at our best. We are not in a good position in the table or in the Champions League.

"But we cannot change what has already happened, we need to win two or three games and the attitude will be totally different, with the fans and players having more belief.

"It is normally against good teams that we do best because the games are more open. We did it against Manchester United, and we aim to do the same to City."