Saturday 19 September 2009

Rafa believes confidence is returning to Reds

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez believes confidence is returning to his side following three successive wins, ahead of the teams match against West Ham today. After two defeats from their opening five matches the Reds coach thinks that the teams character has returned:

“There has been a big change in training,” said Benitez in the Echo.

“The atmosphere is really good. Everyone is happy and joking – things are much better.

“The players know we are performing well again and they have more confidence. Some have more belief that we can win any game.

“We showed character against Bolton. That was positive but I prefer to score early and take control of a game.

“We played really well against Burnley and then although it wasn’t the best game against Debrecen we still had 25 attempts on goal.

“When you are creating so many chances it means things are going well and hopefully we can carry on like this. We have to stay focused and keep winning.”

“Expectations were so high, especially after only losing two games last year,” he said.

“When we lost those early matches it wasn’t an easy time for the fans, the players or the staff.

“But in that situation it’s important as manager to be calm and analyse things closely. In all jobs confidence is very important and in football maybe more so.”

Benitez has also spoken to wayward winger Ryan Babel’s following his comments while on international duty, saying he wished a loan move to Ajax in January.

“Ryan and I have talked and clarified what he was talking about,” Benitez said.

“With interviews it’s difficult to tell if it’s 100% true and I think he was a little bit misquoted.”

Meanwhile, defender Daniel Agger who is recovering well after his back operation, has returned to full training and could figure in Tuesday night’s Carling Cup tie against Leeds.

No comments:

Post a Comment