Fuente: © Liverpool F.C.
http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/

LIVERPOOL FC: READ NOW: RAFA EXCLUSIVE Q&A

In his weekly interview with the club website, Rafael Benitez talks about the need for improvement and why he is quietly confident that will start to happen against Middlesbrough this evening.

/noticias.info/ Liverpoolfc.tv: Rafa, you've had a few days to reflect on the Arsenal defeat. What, in your opinion, went wrong?

Rafael Benitez: I think we looked like a good team until we conceded the first goal. We started the second half with two good crosses into the box but didn't score and once we conceded the second goal for some of the players the game was finished and it was a difficult game. The positive thing for me was how we played in the first half against a top side but we need to do it for 90 minutes.

Are there any more positives can you take from the game?

Yes. It was clear we were controlling the game against a team with a lot of quality but one mistake can make the difference. We were punished for one mistake and the game started changing.

What was the mood like in the dressing room after the game?

Always when you lose you must be really disappointed especially when we are not winning games away from home. After the game all the team and the staff were a little bit down but we know we need to put our heads up and start again.

Liverpool have not enjoyed much success against the top three in recent seasons. Can you put your finger on why this is?

I think the majority of the games were very tough and too close. Again the difference mostly has been one goal. The last game we played against Chelsea we played really well and then we conceded when Drogba scored a fantastic goal and we lost the game. The Manchester United game was different but similar to Arsenal because we were controlling the game but conceded a goal and the game changed. When you play against the top sides you know when you make a mistake you will be punished and we need to improve on these things. In the cups we have been good against these teams so maybe we need to play with a cup mentality. I always talk about the importance of the first goal especially away from home. It's also important to keep a clean sheet and we need to improve in defence.

A lot has been written about the club this week. Do you tend to avoid the newspapers after a defeat?

Normally I don't read a lot of newspapers. I know the things we are doing well and it's enough for me to talk with my staff and the players to analyse what we are doing wrong. I don't need to read the newspapers.

It's been a tough season so far. Are you learning more about yourself and your team all the time?

Always each week you know a little bit more about your players, your team and the things we are doing well. Every year it's the same but with different players you are always learning.

Are there ever times when you doubt your own ability as a coach when results aren't going your way?

No.

Many of your players were on international duty this week. Do you think the break from the Premiership might have done them good?

No, I think it's worse because you cannot train, you cannot work with the players. Physically, mentally and tactically you cannot do anything. All you can do is watch the television and cross your fingers and hope all of them will be fit!

One positive during during the week was Craig Bellamy's goal for Wales. Were you pleased to see him find the net?

I think it's important to see your players scoring goals especially your strikers'. Craig needed to score goals and needed to have more confidence and it was a good game for him. The other positive is the game was played on Tuesday so he has one more day training with us.

The players have been back for a day now - what's the mood like in the camp?

They are training well and focused on the things we are trying to do. They are really focused on trying to win the next game.

The Riverside hasn't been kind to Liverpool in recent years - are you confident this time will be different?

I remember the game last season when Gerrard had two or three clear chances himself and it was almost unbelievable that we didn't win the game. I think this game will be different and I have confidence in the team that we can start winning away.

Amidst all the doom and gloom that always follows a defeat - there's still lots to play for this season, isn't there?

Yes it's clear. Always I say the same and maintain the same idea. I have condidence in this team and we have more quality this season. We need to show this quality on the pitch and the players want to show people we are good enough.

Finally, is there any news on how long you'll be without Momo Sissoko after his operation this week?

We don't know yet. He must be calm for the next two weeks when he can't do anything and then we will see but normally with an injury like he's got he will be out for two to three months. notas_de_prensa_archivo