Rafa wants right Reds attitude

Reds boss keen to avoid Anfield shock

Last updated: 12th January 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Rafa wants right Reds attitude

Benitez: Eyeing FA Cup run

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Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has called on his side to show the right "attitude" against Reading in their FA Cup replay if they are to avoid a shock.

The Reds welcome Championship side Reading to Anfield on Wednesday for their FA Cup third-round replay after being held to a 1-1 draw at the Madejski Stadium.

Benitez has twice seen his side beaten by lower league opposition in the FA Cup and he is keen to avoid another giant-killing against the Royals.

"We have to approach the game thinking about winning and not giving them any chances or any confidence that they can do something," said Benitez.

"In the Premier League you have to win but if you can't you say 'unlucky'. But in the cup you have to win.

"The attitude is more important against teams from a lower division. After that you know you have some quality, but attitude is the key.

"I remember (against Barnsley) and we were not doing badly. We had some chances and then conceded in the last minute.

"It was unlucky but it's the same situation now because it's a cup competition - you have to win and can't make any mistakes."

Benitez is planning to name a strong line-up against Reading with the FA Cup representing possibly Liverpool's best chance of silverware this season

"We know the FA Cup is a massive competition, so we want to progress and go forward as much as we can," added Benitez.

"Our priority now is one game at a time, so the first one is the most important.

"The FA Cup is a very good option for us to win something this year, so we have to approach the game thinking about winning.

"It would be very special to get to Wembley. We've been to Cardiff, but now we have to think about winning the first game."