Reina: “Playing in front of ‘The Kop’ is a privilege”

“Playing in front of ‘The Kop’ is a privilege”

In the three years he’s been at Liverpool, Pepe Reina has adapted perfectly to the local culture and identity. He holds the club’s record for most consecutive games without conceding a goal, set at 11 games, and he’s also earned the reputation of being a specialist when it comes to stopping penalties, which he displayed in the FA Cup final of 2006 and the Champions League semifinal last season against Chelsea FC. His father, Miguel Reina, was the starting goalkeeper for Atletico de Madrid in the 1974 European Cup final. Twenty five years later, Liverpool faced AC Milan in the final of that same competition. With his mind focused on the second leg match that his team will play against FC Internazionale Milano, the goalkeeper is hoping to reach the final once again with Liverpool. This is what he told uefa.com

What is it like to defend the goal in front of The Kop stand?
James Richardson, Melbourne, Australia

- It’s a huge privilege. I feel real confident when I defend that goal. It’s almost as if the opposing teams were attacking uphill.

What do you reckon is the biggest threat Internazionale pose for the second leg match?
Patrick Lising

- Their team as a whole is their biggest threat, but I imagine that Ibrahimovic, Julio Cruz and Suazo will be the players to look out for. But we must be focused on their entire team because they will be trying to turn the result to their favour.

What chances do you give Inter of going thru? Do you think they’re capable of winning the UEFA Champions League?
Mathew Koury, South Africa

- We know that it won’t be an easy task, they have won many games by at least 2-0 before and we must make sure that we score so that the match is played to our advantage.
- Of course! You can’t win it every year but you do have that hope…

Besides yourself, who are the three best keepers in the world? And who was your idol as a kid, was your dad a big influence on you?
Keenan, Johannesburg, South Africa

- I think it’s very difficult to name just three. But I’ll take a shot nevertheless: Cech, Casillas and Buffon. My idols were Zubizarreta and later on Molina. And yes, it is to my understanding that my dad was a great keeper, although I never got to see him play live.

Which save would you describe as your best ever?
Steve Wainwright, Liverpool

- It’s hard to pick one. When they’re important saves they’re all beautiful but I would pick the one against Roberto Carlos at the Bernabeu, it was a Real Madrid-Villarreal and it was in the last minute. The match ended 1-1.

Why did you decide to sign for Liverpool
Jeff Jenkins, Alness, Scotland

- Because it was a huge step forward in my professional career and the adaptation to a new country was made easier by the Spaniards in our team. Besides, Liverpool are one of the greatest teams in the world and they’ve won the European Cup five times.

Would you rather win the Champions League or the Euro
Ivana, Croatia

- Both competitions are very important and I want to win them both. But winning something for your country, with the entire country behind you I think is the greatest thing.

Who is your best friend in the national team and why? What’s your opinion of Casillas both personal and professionally?
Evrim, Turkey

- I have many friends there. Pablo, Villa, Torres, Casillas…We spend a lot of time playing cards together. Casillas is one of the best and quickest goalkeepers in the word and he’s also a great person.

Do you plan to stay at Liverpool for a long time? Is there any one you currently admire?
Karl

- At this time my idea is to stay at Liverpool for many years since I’m very happy to be playing for one of the best teams in the world. And I always try to pick up something from every good goalkeeper I watch on television.

What’s the dressing room like at Liverpool? Did you have a hard time understanding the people from Liverpool?
Amelia Madan

- We are very united as a team. We like to play golf together and spend some time off the pitch, like going to a restaurant. Now I have less of a problem understanding them, but at first I had a hard time.

Can Spain do a good job in the 2008 Euro at last? What must change in order to achieve this?
Andrew Orsatti

- With all my heart I hope and wish that this is the Euro where Spain finally achieve something important. We have great players in our team who are very mature and who are very important and decisive players at their respective clubs. That helps us to be optimistic.

As a Liverpool supporter I’ve had the chance to travel all over Europe and the best atmosphere I’ve ever experienced was at Olympiakos. What’s the most extraordinary atmosphere you’ve ever experienced?
Chris, London

- Fenerbahçe, Beşiktaş…But specially the last semifinal against Chelsea at Anfield. That’s what I call an atmosphere!

If you weren’t a keeper, what position would you like to have played and why?
Philipp Llave, Rockwell, Philippines

- I would’ve possibly ended up playing as a central defender or a striker. As a matter of fact, when I play footy with my friends during the summer in Ibiza, I play as a striker and I score tons of goals.

First, I would like to thank you for the win against Chelsea last year. My question is this: Why is it so hard to stop a penalty?
Nick Sipsas

- You need to collect a lot of information on who or whom is/are the possible penalty takers and then hold still until the very last possible moment. Then you must be lucky and hope that the shot is not perfectly placed because otherwise everything I mentioned before is useless. A well taken penalty is almost impossible to stop.

You’re a fantastic goalkeeper, one of the top five in the world today. I would love for you to be the starting goalkeeper for the Spanish NT, What do you need to do to dethrone Casillas in the future?
Yathen, Bangalore, India

- It’s difficult at this time to dethrone Casillas, but I will keep fighting and working hard in case I get the opportunity.

UEFA

Liverpool target Mallorca’s Trejo

From Marca

Liverpool are targeting Óscar Trejo as a possible reinforcement for next season. Although their interest is not formal yet, the English club will make a firm proposal in the next few weeks to Mallorca for the Argentinean forward’s services for the 2008/2009 campaign.

Rafa Benitez has made an effort since his arrival at Anfield to recruit young talent who are able to bring quality into the team and who show promise for the future. Thus, footballers like Barragan, Francis or Arbeloa have decided in the past to migrate from la Liga to Liverpool, where they have been offered the recognition, both professional and economic that the big Spanish clubs had denied them.

Now, the next one in line to leave for the British Isles could be Óscar Trejo, who could benefit from the English club’s transfer policy. Thus, the Argentinean attacking midfielder would see an improvement over his current contract while having the opportunity to take a step forward on a professional level.

Loan with an option to buy

Liverpool’s idea is not to negotiate the immediate transfer with Mallorca, at least not in the meantime. Their intention would be to request the loan of the player this summer and to include a buy clause, which would vary depending on the installments. Thus, they would be able to acquire 50 percent of the player’s transfer in December or make a bid for the full transfer in June of 2009.

Trejo arrived in Mallorca a year ago with the expectation of playing in the Spanish Liga but at present time his chances have been scarce despite showing goods amount of quality on the pitch. The presence of the likes of Güiza, Arango and Webó, have shut the first team doors to this 19 year old.

Contracted until 2011

During recent matches at Valladolid or at home against Betis he has entered the match in the final minutes, and last week he didn’t get a chance to play in Getafe despite the unfavorable 3-1 score. The Argentinean is signed ‘til June 30, 2011 and he is not willing to remain in the current situation since it contradicts the assurances he was given before accepting Mallorca’s offer.

In the year he’s been at the isle he has only started two matches, despite scoring a goal on his debut against Getafe. Trejo is not willing to continue in this situation because he feels his progression as a footballer is being stalled.

As a matter of fact, the current situation could have a negative effect for him ahead of the Olympic Games, which were one of the player’s priorities for this season. The Argentinean forward knows that unless he gets playing time, it will be very difficult for him to make the squad in Beijin, making it even more unlikely for him to stay at Mallorca past this season.

Rafa interview with El Mundo ahead of the match against Chelsea

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

Torres Interviewed by Público

Some tough questions, some shots taken by the Interviewer but very classy and composed answers from Torres. The journalist interviewing Torres is an Atletico fan who is known for his critical views of the team.

José Miguélez / Público - 18/01/2008 22:20



“I would feel guilty if Atleti weren’t doing well”

Anfield. Last Tuesday. Liverpool are getting ready to play an FA Cup match against Luton. Just before kickoff, a small homage is paid to Carragher for his 500th official match for the reds. The central defender enters the pitch with his son alongside him, who is also wearing a Liverpool shirt. But not his dad’s. He wears the number 9, Fernando Torres’s number. In Madrid, many kids lived that fantasy before. Today they cry.

The derby is upon us. You’re going to miss it.

- Well, I’ll watch it. They are showing it on TV here. I watch a lot of Atleti’s matches.

And what if they go out and win it without you?

- I hope so. But it wouldn’t mean anything. I was never able to beat Real Madrid. Well, the team, not just me.

Have you been back to El Calderón?

No, but only because I haven’t been able to yet.

Are you afraid of that day?

- No, why should I be afraid? Not everyone thinks like you.

How do the supporters at El Calderón think then?

- They’ve understood my decision. Atletico fans still want to take pictures with me, they wish me luck. They come to Anfield with their banners. I still feel the same affection as when I was playing there.

“The easy thing would be to leave Atletico, I’m staying…My future is not tied to the results, if it was I would’ve left a long time ago…The easy thing is to support Madrid or Barça, but I’m an Atletico…People ask me why don’t I leave, that I’m not going to win anything here, but they don’t ask other Atletico supporters to switch teams when their team don’t win anything…This is my home, I grew up here and I want to win titles here: they feel mine and I will enjoy them much more…Do these phrases from last April still torture you?

- No, because they haven’t changed.

Explain that…

- I still feel the same way about many of those things I said. Not so about others. At Atletico things are constantly changing. I want to win titles with Atletico. But they needed me to go in order for other players to take over that responsibility and for the club to be able to make great signings. I didn’t leave to earn more money or deceiving anybody.

Only breaking your word

No. I said what I felt and I left because it was the only way for the club to grow. I also think about myself, I’ve come to a club that gives me a better reputation, where I play comfortably.

Are you saying you felt like you were doing more harm than good?

- No, not at all. But there are other things, that I won’t tell you or anybody else. Things that went on at the club and in the dressing room.

So you were basically fed up?

- No. I tried to help the team get into Europe and achieve great things all I could but I wasn’t able to. Now, that path belongs to others. They’re doing a good job and I hope they are able to achieve these things. I couldn’t. I have that regret, that frustration.

Who was more eager for you to move on, was it yourself or your entourage?

- That whole issue about my entourage makes me laugh. I don’t know what they mean or if they even exist.

Your people: your agents, journalist friends, your family…

My people accept my decisions. The problem is yours, what entourage?

Those that pressured you with ‘you must leave, you must leave’

- You’re completely wrong. My agent didn’t want me to leave. My parents don’t get involved. It was my decision. That’s it. And time has proven me right.

More like it has proven your enemies right. Those that got some joy from you leaving, those that couldn’t stand your loyalty for Atletico, the ones that had doubts about it. Those you made happy.

- I don’t have any enemies. Or friends.

The detractors that are nowhere to be seen now

- Football is like that. I didn’t invent it. It’s a constant change.

Before you were considered an overrated footballer, now you’re a phenomenon. Isn’t it a bit strange?

- At Atleti, I was an easy target. The team wasn’t doing so well and I was the visible head. I lived with it, I tried to change it but I couldn’t. As a collective, we didn’t win anything. But I’m happy about the things I did on a personal level. The numbers are there.

Your game hasn’t really changed, just the adjectives used to describe it

- It’s a lot calmer here for me. I also have more time and a better structure. I’m in a city where I can go out to a coffee shop and people don’t overwhelm me, I don’t feel pressured. I can take a walk without being reminded that I’m a footballer every step of the way. That allows me perform better on the pitch and enjoy it more. I also perceive that I’m on a team that the opponents respect. Just like the Atleti teams I used to follow as a kid, who would go out to win no matter the opposition or the scenario, they were respected and feared…things that I never felt there as a player unfortunately. I feel that here. We must go out to Marseille in a win or win situation, and you sense the fear in the opposition. The supporters don’t feel like they’re in hell all the time, they’ve just come from playing a final. And I feel important in a group where as many as eight players are able to shine. That’s what I was looking fore. I would’ve never had that at Atletico…[he gets asked for an autograph…]

I see that you’re never reminded of being a footballer

- He was Spanish. The English, never.

It seems like it wasn’t that difficult a decision for you to leave

- It was very difficult. Not having won anything at Atletico…That’s the one regret that will never go away. If I had any doubts it was because of that. I would’ve been proud my whole life with just one title. I made my debut while in the Second Division, I’ve had some very bad times, when all the responsibility laid squarely on my shoulders. I also had some good times, but not as many. I would’ve loved to have shown people that Atleti could make progress. I wanted to be there…but I came to realize that I was only staying because of stubbornness. Luckily things are looking good for Atleti. If they were doing badly, I would’ve felt guilty for leaving them. I was positive that they needed me to leave. Luckily I was right. That way I don’t have to look back in regret. I’m also doing very well.

Did you think about your grandfather?[passed on]

- Yes…[another autograph, for the waiter, he signs it in English]. He saw me make my debut for Atletico, and that’s the thing that will stay with me. He always told me to do the best thing for myself. I know that he would be happy. Specially, because Atletico are doing well. Atletico supporters follow Atletico. They’re not Garate, Kiko, Torres, or anyboy else’s supporters. They support the club.

Is there anybody left at Atletico that knows what it means to be be a rojiblanco?

- Yes, I think so.

Care to give any names?

- I don’t know…[he’s interrupted, another autograph: “it’s for my friend”].

I see that the English don’t…

- It’s not usual, it’s incredible!.

I was asking for names…

- The ones I speak to, Alberto[chief of dressing room] or Bastón [goalkeeper’s coach], I know that they understand what Atletico means. Perhaps they’re not allowed to explain it to the newcomers. But football seems to have lost that. Well, not here in Liverpool. In just one week I knew more of the history of Liverpool than Atleti’s. They gave me DVDs, books, I was introduced to the legends….

Who?

- The Club. As soon as you arrive they make you understand where you are, what it means to play for this club, wear the number 9, what Anfield is, who put that little ‘This is Anfield’ sign, who he was, what he’s won…They explain everything to you. I would’ve loved that at Atleti…those that are experienced should help the newcomers. That’s why I used to say: How can I be captain[so young]? Who am I to teach anybody? If I’m ever captain again some day, I will do these things.

That doesn’t happen at Atleti?

- No, it doesn’t.

See what you’ve done by leaving: you left a team without any sign of identity.

- I don’t know. Thing is that not even the players in the youth system know what it means[the history]. I had my grandfather. I went to the matches, I lived the year of the double in person when I was only ten and that runs deep with you, you learn. It’s so important…Every time I step inside of Anfield I know it’s not just another match. I feel the responsibility, the need to show that I belong here. And that didn’t happen at Atleti.
What’s more emotional, ‘You’ll never walk alone’ or the ‘Torres, Torres’ chant after missing at penalty?

- It’s different emotions. The affection that the Atletico supporters showed towards me it’s something I’ll never forget. I haven’t seen it with any other player. Here, they sing songs for me and I feel proud because I’ve just arrived. At Atleti they made me feel like part of them.

It was because of your loyalty. Will you understand your fall from that altar?

- I don’t think I’ve fallen out. Many supporters told me to leave, to think about myself. They’ve understood my decision. My conscience is clear. I tried for many years but wasn’t able to achieve success for the club. Now, the ones that arrive…

Where do you see this affection? El Calderón has gone mute about you. They don’t sing or insult you. For Simeone, for example, they still chant his name.

- But Simeone has wont titles, I didn’t. He’s a lot higher in the institution. And my exit is still very recent. We’ll see as time goes by.

Do you understand those that feel disappointed?

- Yes, of course. I’m sure there are those. I respect them but I know I made the right decision.

Do you feel the need to be comprehended?

- No. Nobody can judge my decision without knowing all the facts. Only I know them. And the decision is mine alone.

Why not share all those facts

- They’re feelings that belong to me only. I don’t make a decision thinking how other people might feel about it.

Is the booing against you over in all the stadiums across Spain?

- I don’t know, It’s not something that worries me. But I’m sure the hate was a result of the shirt I was wearing.

Do you feel like a better player now?

- When the play evolves around the entire team, you get better by force. At Atletico, I felt like the centre of gravity. The team and the system was formed to suit me. The question was always: Who will play next to Torres?
You’re a better finisher as well, don’t miss as many one on ones as you used to

- Every player misses good chances. But it’s more difficult to criticize a player from Madrid or Barça or Milan or Liverpool that one from Atleti.

See how you’ve accepted the same model of critique you used to hate

- No, no. I think it’s because the Premier is not seen as often in Spain. Or because a Spaniard in Spain is not as important, he comes here and makes a name for himself just because he’s a foreigner. It happens everywhere.

Last year, who was right? Aguirre or Aguero?

- There’ll be those who think that back then we didn’t enjoy Aguero because he played less time, and those who think that his success this year is due to a calculated plan. Kun is a great player, but he needs time. He’ll have a great season. I hope that next year they don’t ask him to win the Liga all by himself. It’s the danger for a team with so much urgency.

You can’t shake off the sensation that you had to do it all by yourself

- It was like that for a long time. I wish I would’ve won the League on my first year. It would all have been very different.

You demanded for the club to keep Aguirre. He renewed and then you left

- You don’t like Aguirre either? You don’t like anybody. The team is third in the league. A team needs time for the manager’s ideas to gel. Aguirre’s work is very good. Good football, bad football…there’ll be time to play some great football. People have a good time. The team is scoring a lot of goals, still suffering as always, but they’re getting the results.

Do you feel envy now that Atletico sometimes plays attacking football?

- No, they play attacking football? I think it’s more a case of having a lot of goal up front. And when the match opens up, they have more options to win. That’s why this year asides from Madrid, Barça or Sevilla, they benefit from playing an open match.

You seem happy, but what about when Benitez leaves…

- You didn’t see Anfield against Luton?

But the owners are not the supporters

- But the whole thing doesn’t exist. It’s all a lie. Benitez is not going to leave and they won’t sack him. Results aside, I don’t see it happening. I can’t even imagine it. I don’t think English football has lost its patience like it seems. And the newspapers here are not very trustworthy. That’s why they have less effect. I’ve seen interviews being published that I’ve never done. They just make them up.

Who’s your partner, your Ibagaza here?

- Gerrard. It’s easy to form an understanding with him. There’s no need to do anything special. Wherever you run to, he puts the ball. He’s fantastic. If he played for a different team, he’d be even more renowned. But here in England, Liverpool are not so well liked. That’s made him less popular.

Here we go…Just like Atletico, always whining

- No, it’s not that bad. Liverpool are the English club with the most titles, with more mystic, but it wouldn’t seem like it. I didn’t think they were so big before I got here. Perhaps they haven’t been able to sell themselves so well. Or perhaps it’s not in the interest of some people in England that it is known. Because England is London and that’s it.

Is English football better suited to your qualities or is it just a thing to say?

- Because of the speed, the dynamics, it’s better for me. I used to think that it would take me longer to adapt because there is a lot more contact but because of my qualities it’s been a lot easier.

Is it because of the way Liverpool play or because of the opposition?

- It’s the culture of play here. The refs let the play go on. You know that if somebody is grabbing you and you dive they won’t give the foul. They have to almost kill you to get a foul call. The players help also. I’ve had some confrontations with Ferdinand and Terry but in general the football here is a lot more pure. You don’t see the elbows away from the action…It’s much more honest. They do kick you more. Less frequently, but more forcefully. Here they tackle you and if they are late one second they kill you. The shortest defender I’ve played against is 1,90. It’s incredible. You have to learn to play against that.

How?

- Learning what they don’t like. In Spain you could be playing half a meter away from the defender and you can beat him with speed. Here, if you are half a meter away, they’re grabbing on your shirt all the time. You have to play further away from them. At first, I spent so much time thinking of where to stand that I would miss half the match. Benitez always talks to me about that. To create some separation and if they come for me twenty meters outside the area, they will leave some spaces behind.

Would you be having such a great time without the other Spaniards?

- The first few days they are vital. It’s a new country, a new coin, different side of the road to drive on, no kilometers, miles instead. You need someone to act as a guide or else you’re lost all the time. And also inside the dressing room. Everything is explained in English, it’s confusing and you need someone to ask what to do. Now I understand better the players that would arrive and didn’t speak Spanish, they had a rough time. Now it’s not so bad. The forces us to be together: we have breakfast and lunch together…

What we've tried in Spain, unsuccessfully

- The thing is, you can’t change the culture. English players never protest. They’ll do what they’re asked. They’re ordered to run 200 laps around the pitch and they don’t ask why: you just do it. In Spain, 15 people are complaining beforehand.

Which Liverpool player would you recommend for Atletico?

- Nobody.

Which Atletico player would you recommend for Liverpool?

- Maxi Rodriguez.

The new 4-5-1 system could threaten your Euro participation: It’s either you or Villa. Would Luis Aragones dare?

- It depends on the results. It’s gone well for him this way and as long as it keeps working he will insist with that system. We must accept it.

How many times have you said to yourself: “Why did I leave?”

- Not once.

Will you still be an Atletico ‘socio’ [member]

- I’ve never been one.

Well, its about time

- What for?

At least it’s a connection

- I don’t need a card to have a connection with the club. I’ve been in that club since I was 10 years old.

And for Liverpool

- I would have to put myself on the waiting list. But I have 40,000 people in front of me

Source

Benitez Interview - Diario Sport

19/12/2007

It’s been said that your position was at risk because of your confrontation with the owners…

- It’s been exaggerated a little bit. The Americans want the best for the club and so do I. They want to sit down and clarify a few things because there is a language barrier and one of distance as well. I think we needed to improve the ways of communication. I’m very calm. I have the confidence that things will be resolved and everything will be fine.

Are things getting more complicated when businessmen get into football?

- The problem of football in general, not just in England, is money. There are a lot of interests and that puts the football aspect in a secondary role sometimes. If we speak of the preseason, before it was unthinkable to go to Asia and change the preparation of the teams. Now it’s done because there is a lot of money in it. Football has changed and not everything works in its favour.

It seems like the form has been somewhat irregular this season?

- We had problems in Europe, but the team made a good start to the league. Then we had a bad month where we had bad results in the Premier and it coincided with the bad results of the Champions. It seemed like we had a mini-crisis, but the team reacted well in the League and we felt more comfortable in the Champions.

In the Premier it is very difficult to fight with the like of Chelsea and United for the title?

- Liverpool have not won the league for 18 years and there is an explanation: the economical potential of the other teams has increased tremendously and we were always trailing them. Now there has been an inversion, but we’re still playing catch-up. The stadium capacity alone supposes 30 million more for the likes of United and Arsenal. The idea is to shorten that gap by building a new [bigger] stadium and also making the right decisions when buying and selling players. That is the key.

From Melwood you can basically control the entire club.

- The figure of the manager in England is this, but there are specialists at every club. What the manager can do is make sure that the sporting and economic issues don’t mix. But the truth is that you never stop working. You always need to pay attention to many issues and it gets complicated. I come from a culture of ‘the coach’ and I like to be on the pitch, train, and then, go up to my office. Those hours, a traditional manager in England such as Ferguson, are used for other things.

After the latest controversy, do you see yourself honoring your current contract at Liverpool?
- I’m quite comfortable here. I would like to stay for the length of my contract and extend it if possible. My family have adapted very well, and for me, the respect and valuation from the supporters in England is fantastic.


The support from the people in Liverpool is huge.

- 40,000 signatures on the internet were collected for me to continue as Liverpool manager. There were signatures from Australia and Asia. Many fans from around the world are supporting a manager who’s achieved some important titles for the club.

Does it bother you that you could be criticized for signing too many Spaniards?

- The fact that we are very active in the Spanish market is due to our extensive knowledge of it. Wenger invests quite heavily in the French market because he knows it well and Mourinho brought some Portuguese players at first, because he’s from there. We have a network of scouts all around the world in order to find the best players. But one thing is clear, choosing a good player is one thing but finding a good professional is more important. In order to know the person better you need a lot of information, and sometimes, you don’t have that information in other countries but you do in Spain.

Is that why you signed Torres?

- The success of Fernando Torres has not been due to his football abilities alone but his mentality and his quick adaptation. We knew what he wanted and what he was looking for. Before we had to make bets with less money and now we were able to do so with more money. I prefer this kind of risk because you’re betting to become champions and not for a mid-table place. You have to take advantage of these kinds of opportunities.

Is your big challenge winning the Premier with Livepool?

- We are very close now. We have eight more points than last year at this point and we have qualified for the knockout stages of the Champions, besides we’re still in the Carling with a difficult match against Chelsea. We’re in a good situation, but other teams are also investing, progressing and evolving. We’re shortening the gap.

Your best memories must come from the CL final win against Milan?

- We had to work hard for that one. It’s the most exciting final I can remember and, when I look at the team we had, I almost can’t believe it.

What happened at halftime when you were down 3-0?

- My main problem was the language. When we were down 2-0 I was trying to write some things I wanted to say at halftime and, then, they scored the third goal. Sending across a message in another language is difficult. I was thinking as we entered the dressing room at halftime and then I heard our supporters sing and it was amazing. They were signing ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ and were still hopeful at a time when other team’s supporters would’ve left the stadium already. That was an evident source of inspiration. I told them [the players] we had all these people in the stands and we had to do our best. We needed to score a goal to get back in the match. We did. And it was fantastic.

He’s not thinking about their next rival in the Champions

Liverpool is one of the possible rivals for Barça in the next round of the Champions, but Benitez does not want to think about the draw. “I haven’t thought about any of the possible opponents. I can’t pick and choose because it doesn’t depend on me. It’s a lottery and I’m pragmatic about those things. Thinking about the draw before hand doesn’t serve any purpose. Once the draw is made we will have to think of beating whoever it is”.

Despite all this, Benitez has so much experience in this competition that he doesn’t really care about the opposition. “All five teams we can face could be clear favourites to win the Champions, but if you are facing us I would reconsider that notion. The Champions is very competitive and it’s impossible to know for certain who will be there in the final”.

And Benitez believes that “In the Champions you must have luck, quality and efficient. The ties are usually very even and any small individual or team detail can influence the final result. It’s very complicated”.

Benitez knows what it’s like to eliminate Barça in the Champions. Last season, Liverpool won at the Camp Nou 1-2 and went through despite losing at home by 0-1.

Diario Sport

Rafa Benitez interview - Diario AS

Diario AS interview. Here's the translation for you.

Miguel Á. Vara | 13/12/2007


First of all, congratulations for beating Marseille.

- It was a much needed victory and we’re happy with the outcome. It means that we will progress in a competition that we like, and people will be able to celebrate it accordingly. Just by looking at the atmosphere that we experienced at the airport, any extra effort is worth it.


What happened there?

- As always, many supporters made the trip to support the team and, on the way back, we coincided at the airport and they started to sing, to jump…the police had no idea of what to do because they[the supporters] started to approach me to greet me and they[the police] asked me what to do. I said it was okay, to let them come close and they started to sing for me to stay, hug me…


Do you feel like the people’s manager?

- I feel like Liverpool’s manager and I say that with a lot of pride.


But in the last few weeks the supporters have overwhelmingly come out on your defense…

- Liverpool supporters are, above all, very appreciative and they understand the progress that has been made in the last three years when the team was coming from situation of ostracism. I think they are very grateful for all of this and with each passing day I feel their affection more and more.


That kind of support to a manager is unthinkable in Spain, no?

- Not only in Spain but I doubt it’s happened anywhere else because we’re talking about internet petitions, demonstrations, chants of support and banners in the stadium…they’re incredible and I insist that we must be very grateful to them.


This kind of popular support seems to have put a brake to the owner’s pressure….

- Things are calm, we’re focused on every match and the team is responding very well.


What’s your relationship with the owners like?

- On a personal level the relationship is good, we’ve had some differences on the professional plane but once we meet and get to talk everything will be sorted out and it will end up being nothing more than a misunderstanding.


Is it a problem that they don’t live in Liverpool?

- I think that the distance makes things a little more difficult, that’s why everything will be solved once they arrive.


What do you expect of that face-to-face with the Americans?

- We all want the same thing which is the best for Liverpool so I’m sure that we will understand each other very well.


If you had known you were going to end up with this situation[with these owners] Would you have come to Liverpool?

- I have the virtue that my work is not based on the hypothetical. I will tell you that I’m very happy in Liverpool and I would love to remain here for many years.


But something seems to be happening in England, where we used to speak about a philosophy that seems to be dying out because there have already been five managers sacked this season.


- Perhaps the pressure is higher, everybody wants immediate results and more so now because there are people investing a lot of money and that makes the owners more nervous[about getting immediate results]. But I think that things will settle down now and, as is custom in England, more time will be given to managers to carry out their projects.

Speaking of projects, Are Liverpool favourites to win the Premier?

- There seems to be a misunderstanding when people talk about the amount of money spent by Liverpool when, between the amount we have recouped and what we have spent, we’re in a similar position to the teams close to the top but not close to the biggest clubs. If you analyze it, United have spent 70 million pounds when we have spent 40 something while recouping 26 mil. That’s why I say that a lot of people think that we must win the title because we’ve spent so much money, when there are other teams like Chelsea, United, or West Ham, Newcastle or Aston Villa that have also spend a lot of money, that’s why nobody has any guarantees to win the title. Arsenal have been spending a lot on young players during many years and they’re now starting to collect the dividends. All the teams at the top spend a lot of money but that doesn’t guarantee the title, the Premier is something difficult to achieve because Chelsea, United…are very big and they have been building on for years.

It does seem like more of an even fight this year in the Premier with many teams competing for the title

- Yes, but it’s not just the top four. The fight is more even between all the teams because any team can beat you on a given day.

Going back to the Champions. You’re certain to draw a big club. Do you have a personal preference for an Italian or Spanish team, perhaps Madrid or Barça?

- We’ve had to fight very hard to qualify out of the group stages and we’re just enjoying the moment, we haven’t really thought about which team would suit us best.

And on Sunday you welcome Manchester United…

- That’s why we must leave the euphoria for others. On the plane back from Marseille I spoke to some of the players to see what we could improve on. I think that praise weakens you and you can’t relax just because you’ve achieved one goal, because if you do[relax], you will fail to reach other goals.

Lets talk about someone: Fernando Torres.

- We’re very happy with him, he has a good mentality and I think that he is very happy in Liverpool, he is happy to be a part of this team, the supporters are delighted with him

What has he improved on since he left Spain?

- I think he has less pressure on his shoulders because at Atletico he was the only reference player and he had to carry the whole weight of the club, but here he shares that pressure with other team-mates with a lot of experience and that helps him and gives him confidence, he’s more calm and is more of a team player.

One of those players is Steven Gerrard. People always say that you two don’t have a very good relationship.

- That is just part of the false myths that circle the press, that get repeated over and over and people end up believing in them. It’s a shame that this sort of thing happens and even more so in this case because it’s not true, Steven is a fantastic lad and the relationship is very good.

Now there is another Spaniard managing in England.

- Juande is a good manager and to have more Spanish managers managing outside of Spain is important because it shows the level of quality in the collective.


What is the biggest problem he could face now?

- The language is the first thing because you don’t quite dominate the nuances of the language. One thing is to be able to say things in English and a different thing is to be able to communicate effectively, when to give it the appropriate connotations and be able to use it to motivate the group. That is quite complicated.

Is this the best Liverpool since you arrived?

- It is. The team has improved a lot. The squad in general offers more alternatives, with young players in many cases, but players with quality. We’re still in a phase of development, that’s why I insist that the team can improve, but there are players with quality and with the possibility of being very important players in the Premier because they have the talent.


Are you going to reinforce the team in January?

- We’ve had a problem in central defense because we couldn’t make the deal for Heinze and, then, Agger went down injured. This has forced us to use Hyppia, who is 34, and Carragher every match and many times twice a week, and with the intensity of play here, is not easy to hold up. Our idea is to bring in a central defender, to balance the team in that position.

What’s your take on La Liga?

- I see that there are teams that still haven’t found their rhythm and Real Madrid who keep winning and gaining an advantage, but the other teams are yet to awake and when they do it will be a more competitive Liga.

Barça are one of those teams, no?

- Barça have quality and if they have played well before they can do it again for sure.

And Ronaldinho?

- Speaking from the distance is difficult, I think he’s still a great footballer, but I don’t know what his day-to-day situation is like so it wouldn’t be right to voice an opinion on it.


Another team going through a rough time: Valencia.

- I have the same answer. In this case I know a lot about Valencia and that make me have an even greater respect for them, so it’s not correct for me to speak on the matter.


But you can tell us about their manager because you have played against Koeman a few times

- Not against him, against the teams he managed, because if I had faced Koeman as a player he would’ve beaten me for sure. When we played Benfica we didn’t do well because we conceded a goal from a free-kick in the last few minutes and then we faced a battle uphill and they knocked us out of the Champions. We had more luck against PSV, we played better, but every time we have played them, his teams have done well, they created some danger and we had to do a lot of good work to get some positive results.


Koeman insists on changing the system, Do you think that squad can do so without any traumas?

- I think that the players are the most important thing, that is clear, then, having players with intelligence allows you to tweak the system and find the weaknesses on the opposing team while maximizing your strengths. I don’t think you can talk exclusively about the players or the system, both things need to come together.


Another team, Atletico. Better without Torres.

- I will only say that, fortunately, Fernando is here with us and we’re very happy with him. If Atletico are doing well, then good for them.


The one thing that did get straightened out was the national team.

- That shows that you must always have patience. If you give the managers confidence, at the end they can instill their ideas and is easier to gain results. Spain has the individual quality and, now, they have shown that they can work as a team and play well as a group. Now we’ll see how far they can go.


And how far can Liverpool go?

- As far as we can. Our professionalism and our supporters demand so.

Spanish Radio interview with Arbeloa, Torres & Rafa after Marseille

Radio interview conducted by Cadena Ser's programme 'El Larguero'. Just as background info, so that it makes more sense, every year come Christmas time the Spanish Lottery has the biggest purse of the year which is called 'El Gordo de Navidad' [Christmas' fat one]and it's pretty much a tradition for the regular folk to buy their lottery ticket in hopes of hitting the big one.

Here's the transcript....


(Presenter) Jose Ramón: Alcalá has already arrived at Marseille’s airport along with Liverpool’s squad, right Alcalá

Alcalá: Here we are ready to travel with them back to England, surely to be a very pleasant ride, I’m here with Arbeloa, who we had last night on the show and we were recalling our chat, when we talked about giving them our blessings from ‘El Larguero’, and, joder, did it ever work!0-4… a commanding victory, and a real exhibition of football today in Marseille. By the way, he is absolutely convinced, beyond any doubt that next round’s draw will pair them against R.Madrid…


JR: Alvaro!

AA: Yes.

JR: I told you…you were going to play, you weren’t so sure last night. I called you so late, nearly 1 am to tell you that you were going to play but you had doubts…or did you know already? [ and didn’t want to say]

AA: No, but I sensed it was possible because I’ve been playing quite frequently and the logical thing was that Rafa would keep the same team more or less.

JR: I told you that Alcalá was bringing you some luck

AA: Yes, lots of luck[laughs]

JR: But he got out of hand eh![laughs]

AA: He did[laughs]

JR: I told him a 0-1 was enough but he went mad, Hala, boom, 4!

AA: In case there were any doubts!

JR: Did he give you the lucky lottery ticket?

AA: No, I’m going to ask him for it now. I think he’s kept it for himself, doubt he will give it to me now.

JR: Ask him for it! I told him to take one for you, seriously, and one for Reina. Not for Torres or Benitez because they make a lot of quid and they don’t need to win the lottery…

AA: [laughs] But Pepe also makes a lot eh!

JR: I know, but he’s just become a father and he has to give the daughter an education!

AA: That’s true

JR: I said ‘Give my little Alvaro at least a ticket and if he gets a portion of the big one, say a million Euros, a little something like that would be nice, no?’

AA: It wouldn’t be bad at all[laughs]

JR: Well…fantastic, wasn’t it?

AA: Yes, now to await our next rival and it seems like there’s a good chance for a big Spanish or Italian team, we’ll see

JR: Who would you prefer? I was told you wanted R.Madrid?

AA: Yes, it would be nice. We’ve talked about it and it would be a great tie against a top team and something to really look forward. So if we draw Madrid it would be great.

JR: You would rather play them now, instead of playing them a bit later in the competition?

AA: No, to start off against a strong team is better. I think Fernando is very eager to face them, Rafa also so I think it would be fantastic get Madrid on the draw.

JR: [laughs] Well, Alvaro. On the 22^nd, Saturday I’ll give you a call since it’s the draw for the Lottery and I’ll call you to ask you how you are planning to celebrate

AA: Okay, I’ll let you know then! Let’s see if he gives me the ticket first!

JR: Cheers!

AA: Cheers, good night!

Alcalá: Thanks to Alvaro Arbeloa as we head towards the boarding gate here in Marseille and here he is…the man of the night, what a great goal, it was the 0-2 and his third goal in the CL. Smiling, ear-to-ear smile on his face, a happy lad he is…here’s Fernando Torres

JR: Hello Fernando!

FT: Hello, Good evening!

JR: Joder, what a good streak? I’ve given you my blessing, eh?

FT: Yes [laughs], the truth is that things are going well and today was the most important match for me since I’ve been here and we saw that the team has responded very well.

JR: I told Alcalá not to give you the lottery, I sent one to Arbeloa but I said ‘Not to Fernando because he’s rich and besides, he’s already lucky enough’ why would you want to win the lottery, aye?

FT: No, well, to celebrate with the friends it wouldn’t be bad at all

JR: What you have to celebrate are all these goals! You’ve got 12 already so far this season and 3 in the Champions!

FT: Yes, it’s a great thing that these sort of clubs have. I knew that at Liverpool I could keep growing as a player and play with an ease of mind to enjoy what this team has to offer and it’s been that way, no? With players of great quality and playing in a lot of competitions, lots of matches and especially the games like the one today which makes my decision the more worthwhile.

JR: Tonight’s goal was beautiful, how you face up in the corner of the area, get past three and put it in the far post, gorgeous.

FT: Yeah, when the team is playing well and with confidence we’re able to do things like this and today we went ahead so early with Gerrard’s goal and our confidence was really high and you try these things and hope they work and hopefully we can carry this sort of form for the match against Manchester.

JR: You are the team with the highest goal average. Three goals per match, and Alvarito was telling me that ‘Fernando wants to play R.Madrid’

FT: [laughs] No, I didn’t say that…that’s him. No, we know there is a good chance of drawing a Spanish or Italian team and we know we have no choice but any of those teams will be tough. It’s the bad part of qualifying as a second placed team, there are no easy teams but, well it wouldn’t be bad at all.

JR: So, you would like to play them too. Arbeloa was telling me ‘ I want them now’

FT: What we talk about in the dressing room is to play in the biggest stadiums against the biggest clubs, Madrid, Barcelona, Milan…after the final people would like to play them again but they’re all tough. Sevilla are playing well in the Champions. Madrid and Barcelona and Inter are all favourites to win it so you never know which draw will be best. We want to concentrate on the Premier now and hope to be in good form by the time we start the next rounds.

JR: I wanted to talk to you about all the punishment you’re receiving in the Premier from defenders. The other day against Reading they kicked you flat, ,eh?

FT: [laughs] Yes. It’s the way it is here. The key is to learn that quickly and avoid those hits because it’s a lot of those every match.

JR: Is it true that while they’re tougher they’re also more noble?

FT: Yes, I think so. Very rarely you will see a tackle where they’re really trying to hurt you on purpose but rough tackles like the other day are very common.

JR: Hey, don’t worry about Atleti because ‘Kun’ will play. They removed one of the yellows on appeal…and he’ll play in Huelva…

FT: I think it’s fair, no?

JR: Yes, Yes, and he’s taking his gloves with him !

FT:[laughs] Yes, well, they don’t love him so much in that stadium but for players that him, they thrive in those moments.

JR: People in Huelva surely love to watch him play but don’t worry about Atleti. Now we’re in CL places and at the end of next year you’ll see when we play against you

FT: I hope so, I hope so

JR: Well, have a safe trip!

FT: Thank you very much Jose Ramon

JR: Good night

FT: Cheers.

Alcalá: Well, that was Fernando Torres and before we board the plane, here is this man, wearing a suit, with a red tie, Liverpool red, who was on the edge Jose Ramon because he had to win the last three matches and well, 8 against Besiktas, 4 against Porto and 4 against Marseille and Liverpool have qualified. He’s the last one as we board the plane, here’s Rafa Benitez.

JR: Manager, good evening!

RB: Hello, good evening

JR: I didn’t send you a ticket either with Alcalá. Not for you nor Torres because you’re already rich and are so lucky, so for Arbeloa a little bit.

RB: I tell you Joserra, that luck is in love with hard work. It’s one of those phrases you hear all the time and the more you work the more luck you get. So Torres who works a lot is very lucky, Arbeloa is also lucky and so am I.

JR: The match turned out easier than we all expected because after 11 minutes you were up 0-2…

RB: Yes, we knew it would be a difficult match and then the pitch wasn’t in great condition and it was very windy so there were a series of conditions that were dangerous but well, we started really well and the team had the occasion with the penalty that I believe could’ve easily been a red or at least a yellow card and then Fernando’s great goal which put us on the right track. We were very focused, we knew they played well between the lines and we needed to be compact and the team has responded very well.

JR: Rafa, has Gillette gone, the bloke with the razor blades, one of the owners who said was going today…

RB: His son was with us at the Hotel but I haven’t seen him[George Gillette] perhaps he arrived a bit later but I really didn’t see him because we were preparing for the match, etc.

JR: But don’t they go in the dressing room before the match?

RB: No because, well they’re usually in America and the son is here now but he doesn’t come in. Sometimes the president comes in, well, most of the time the former president although he’s still chairman and the chief executive and they spend some time with us and then go up to their seats.

JR: And you didn’t see him after the match either? Does he travel on a different plane?

RB: I don’t know because I haven’t see him. We’re about to get on the plane so I don’t know. I imagine that he came in his private plane.

JR: Ya, well you know how billionaires are! And they haven’t called you on the mobile phone to congratulate you?

RB: I don’t know. I will have to check now because my mobile phone is in the bag but I’ll check. I think they must be happy just like the rest of us because the team won and played well. And now we have to sit down and see how we’re going to go forward for the future, no?

JR: What has to make you real happy are two things, besides the victory of course. But it’s the support of the fans and the support of the players. The way they’ve all come out like tigers on your defense?

RB: Yes, I think that the team have shown there is unity and that they trust that things can work out well and the supporters are fantastic because I had never seen demonstrations and internet petitions and chants during entire games in support of the manager. Usually, fans support a player or such but for managers you’re usually shouted at to leave the club[laughs] but in this case I’m extremely happy to be here

JR: Were you ever approached to manage England? No insinuations?

RB: Nobody spoke to me. There were rumours and such but nobody spoke to me because, first and foremost I’m still Liverpool’s manager.

JR: And would you have dared to manage England?

RB: Why be afraid?

JR: No man, not fear! But a patriot like you! At least tell them ‘Sure when you give us Gibraltar back! Or something.

RB:[laughs] No, look. The Spanish NT which could be an objective for any manager, I think we all think the same way. In the future, because now when you’re still full of energy and hunger, you want the day-to-day aspect and thinking ahead in the future you could consider the NT. The Spanish, the English or any other good team because, in this case, we’re talking about two very good teams.

JR: How are you spending the Christmas?

RB: With the family. We have some family coming over and it’s the typical Christmas eve dinner and such. We try to do that as long as it doesn’t coincide with a match because that’s how it works here. But in this case I think we have a match on the 26^th and then on the 2^nd so I think we will manage with the schedule.

JR: Well, Merry Christmas in case I don’t see you manager.

RB: Same to you.

JR: I wish you the best my friend

RB: Thank you, cheers.