Parry expecting tough test

Reds chief wary of Italian giants

By James Pearson   Last updated: 21st December 2007

rick parry liverpool chief executive

Parry: Tough test

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Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry acknowledges The Reds have their work cut out after being paired with Internazionale.

The draw for the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League was made on Friday in Nyon and Rafa Benitez's side have been drawn against the Serie A leaders and champions.

Inter have yet to taste defeat in the league this term having won 12 of their 16 matches to date and drawing the other four to open up a seven point gap at the table of the table.

Big one

"It's a big one. I was going to be a big one whoever we'd drawn," he told Sky Sports News.

"It's been a very long time since we've played them so it'll be a new one for us.

"They did very well last year and are clearly doing well again in the Italian league this year, so it's going to be tough, but there are no easy ones at this stage.

"They are a very, very good team, but every team at this stage is good. We'll take whoever we get."

Despite losing at home to Manchester United in the league last weekend and crashing out of the Carling Cup to Chelsea on Wednesday, Parry does not believe the Champions League has taken on greater significance.

"Clearly it's an important competition. It's no more significant than it was before," he continued.

"We've done well in recent years and we hope to do well this year. Recent results haven't changed anything."

Nonsense

Parry is also hoping to put to bed talk that Benitez's hands will be tied in the January window next month after stating the club has not imposed a transfer ban.

He added: "There's never been a transfer ban at Liverpool. That's nonsense. We'll be as active as we've ever been.

"It's all about what happens on the pitch. The priority for us is to win on the pitch in the New Year.

"I think we know what we're trying to achieve and we're focused on it."