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LIVERPOOL FC: RAFA ON FULHAM, GERRARD AND CHELSEA

Rafael Benitez has today revealed Steven Gerrard is a doubt for Saturday's clash at Fulham as the Reds bid to all-but secure fourth place in the Barclays Premier League. Here's what Benitez told reporters in full at Melwood this afternoon.

/noticias.info/ Journalist: Rafa, What have you made of the latest developments between the two owners over the past few days?

Benitez: I know it will be difficult but I will try to talk just about football. Maybe it will be disappointing for you but I prefer to talk about football.

The fans are asking how much dialogue you have had with the owners over the past few weeks and have you been able to clarify your position?

Well, because I am preparing for the game with Fulham I do not need to talk to them. I need to talk with my staff and my players. We have been training and talking about Fulham and preparing for the game properly.

Have you had a meeting with Rick Parry?

I was preparing for the game against Fulham.

Do you feel that the club is in limbo? We hear that George Gillett won't sell to Tom Hicks and Tom Hicks won't sell to George Gillett. Is the club in limbo and are you worried?

You know the answer...Fulham. Fulham are a difficult team to play against because they are fighting against relegation so we will try to do our best. If you ask me 'Will I pick a strong team?' Then yes, I will pick a strong team as we did against Arsenal for example. We will try to win because we want to try and guarantee the fourth position.

You did rest players in the league meeting with Arsenal, but do you have a greater opportunity to do so now, given what happened at Goodison Park last night (Chelsea beat Everton)?

My idea is to use a team that will win. We have some problems with Arbeloa, Kewell, Agger and Gerrard. Agger and Kewell will not play. We will need to check on Arbeloa and Gerrard. I will pick a strong team for winning because we want to guarantee fourth position as soon as possible.

Do you think fourth position is virtually secure now?

We need to win. We will be eight points ahead of Everton if we can do it. After that we would need one more point and we want to do it as soon as possible because we want to be thinking about the Champions League.

Was that a big result at Goodison Park last night because it has taken a bit of pressure off...

I think it was important because Everton are five points below us and Chelsea are still in the race for the title. So both things could be positive for us.

What do you make of what is happening at Chelsea at the moment - do you think there is pressure on Avram Grant?

I think when you analyse the season he has done a good job. They played the final of the Carling Cup, they are still in the race for the title and the semi-final of the Champions League. So, I think he is doing a good job. They are a good team with good players so I think he is doing his job really well.

Are you surprised to see there is pressure on him or do you come to expect that because you are in a similar position?

Yes I think so. With the top sides everyone wants win every game and every trophy so it is not easy. But if you analyse all the statistics and the data, he has been okay and done a good job.

Before Chelsea you have Fulham on Saturday. It's a game where you are going to have to match them for work rate because they are really battling for their lives aren't they?

We know it will be difficult. When a team is at the bottom of the table you know they will play with a little bit of anxiety and determination. We know it will be tough but we want three points and we need to guarantee fourth.

You mentioned Gerrard is a doubt - what is the problem?

He has a neck problem. Yesterday in training he scored three or four goals with his head so at the end he had a problem.

The Manchester United game aside, how pleased are you with the recent form?

Yes, we can talk about the United game too because something changed the game. Anyway, it is true the team is playing good football now, creating chances and controlling games. The understanding when we talk about Torres and Gerrard is good and Babel coming from the bench has been really good so I think the team has confidence and the players are enjoying themselves now.

Are we now seeing the benefits of rotation during the early part of the season?

Yes it could be the case. The key for me was that we were using a lot of players for a number of games in a row while in others we were changing. But if you are winning it is easier. You can see some players now have confidence and fresh legs maybe, we will see. You never know in football, good players can change a game, they may be tired but they can still change a game.

Is this weekend's match a good opportunity for players to force their way into your plans like Peter Crouch did in the league game at Arsenal?

Yes clearly. The message for the players is always to be ready. I always use the example of Smicer. He was not playing but he scored a very important goal in Istanbul. So they must be ready and if we can bring the best out of each one it will be better for the team.

Is there any development on Peter Crouch's future?

Not really. We were worried about his injury the other day. Now he is fit and okay so I would like to see him scoring goals and it will be easier for me and him to talk about this.

Earlier in the season we talked about how off the field events could be a distraction. How pleased are you then that it doesn't seem to be affecting the players now?

The players showed that they are really good professionals, they are focused and concentrating on the games and that is one of the keys to our success now.

With the way things are going would you ever be tempted to say 'Look I don't need this' and walk away?

At this moment I have two years on my contract. I am really pleased and happy here and want to stay. notas_de_prensa_archivo