Interview published today on Spanish national 'El Mundo'. Interesting part when he is asked about Pako, quite cryptic though.
INMA LIDÓN
Rafael Benitez has a dream: making Liverpool the Premier League champions, or in other words, shortening the gap created by the big spending clubs. This season that feat seems complicated, but on Sunday against Chelsea he has the opportunity to win in a battle.
How big a setback is Fernando Torres’s injury for Sunday’s match?
- It’s a big blow for us because we were counting on him playing, of course. For me it’s a confirmation that these international friendlies at this stage, when the players have played so many games, don’t make a lot of sense.
Is it safe to say that the Premier is the ideal competition for Torres?
- I think so. Fernando has adapted very well and he has demonstrated that he has great quality and the conditions to succeed.
Do you think he was in need of shaking off the pressure he had in La Liga and especially at Atletico?
- He’s arrived at a moment where he’s matured and has more experience. The change has been good for him, good for us and, as far as I can tell, it’s also been positive for Atletico.
You have described your match tomorrow against Chelsea as ‘vital’ one
- It’s very important for us to get back on track, recover our confidence and to fight, for the time being, for fourth place.
Have Liverpool given up on winning the Premier?
- It’s not a matter of giving up, we need to be realistic. There are two teams at the top that are not making any mistakes and we haven’t been getting the same results as earlier in the season. We’re still lacking a bit in terms of winning matches consistently which would give us the confidence and the possibility of fighting for something more than a Champions League spot.
Do you think people are asking too much of your team when you compare the economical power of your main rivals?
- There is a great difference on the economical level that goes back years. That is what we’re trying to close-in on and, sometimes, in order to achieve this you have to take some risks when you sign players and when you take decisions on the pitch, and you don’t always get it right. To be on the same level as Arsenal, United or Chelsea we have to do everything almost to perfection.
Behind all those teams there are big investors, and the arrival of the Americans at Liverpool has not necessarily meant the injection of cash that people expected.
- The problem is not the spending of this year, but for the last four or five years. The rival squads that were already built by spending a lot of money have kept on strengthening each of those years.
A few months back, Liverpool’s owners did not have all their trust on your work, when the team was six points from the leaders and with a match on hand. Do you think all that controversy has negatively affected your team’s progress since then?
- As a manager I could say yes. I would have the perfect excuse, but I don’t want to use it as an excuse. What is clear is that at that time we were in a good position and that we were close to winning many of those matches that we ended up drawing, and that is why we are in this position now.
But the supporters have had to march on the streets to show their support for Rafa Benitez. Do you think you will remain at the club for the two years left on your contract?
- I have a lot of confidence on our young team that is growing, with a much better squad than when we arrived. I think that the future is promising but we must think about the present.
Despite this, one of the owners spoke to Klinsmann. Do you see it as disrespect?
- At the end you just try to stay away from these things and focus on your job and not pay attention to these kinds of things because you can’t control them.
In this area,you no longer work with Paco Ayestarán, who negotiated with Athletic, Barça and finally Real Sociedad to leave your side. Are you disappointed in the way he left?
- I am very disappointed. When you put your blind faith on somebody and they disappoint you as a person, the professional aspect loses all value, it’s secondary. Sometimes the desire for power changes people. I would like to keep all the good memories but the whole situation was a surprise.
Luis Aragones is also looking over his shoulder for a replacement…
- It’s difficult to keep calm when possible names start to surface. Luis has experience, he will keep going and the team will respond for him.
You’re still fondly remembered in Valencia. Would you be willing to come back?
- I have a lot of good memories from my time in Valencia but I am happy here and I want to win more titles at Liverpool.
Do you follow closely everything that’s going on at Valencia?
- Of course. I think that the latest results in the Liga and the Cup will help them to recover their lost confidence.
What’s your opinion on the situation with Cañizares, Albelda and Angulo?
- Because of my utmost respect for the Club and for them, I feel I must not comment on the issue.
El Mundo
