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| NEWS STORY |
RAFA: WE CAN'T WAIT FOR THE DERBY
Steve Hunter
29 March 2008
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Rafael Benitez has revealed his players can't wait for the Merseyside derby to show their true worth and bounce back after last weekend's disappointing defeat at Old Trafford.
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A victory would take the Reds five points clear of the Blues in the race for fourth place and Benitez wants his team to take full advantage of that opportunity.
"Everybody was really disappointed after the United game," said Benitez.
"The players tried hard but we made some mistakes. But we cannot think about this when we are going into a derby. The important thing is to forget that game.
"A derby match is an opportunity for us to change things. We know that we must really concentrate because we know it will be a really tough game.
"I think some players know that they did not play at the same level they were playing at before, but it can be different against Everton and I am sure that the players will try to do the right things.
"We know that a win would take us five points ahead and that would be a good advantage to have at this stage of the season.
"Derby matches are always difficult games. It doesn't matter if one team is playing really well and the other is playing badly, but we will be looking to win.
"We are playing Everton at Anfield so the only thing we will have in our heads is winning."
Despite being without the suspended Javier Mascherano for the derby Benitez said he is considering a number of options as to what his team selection will be on the day.
One of those options is Brazilian starlet Lucas Leiva who played a key role in the last derby win at Goodison Park in October. It was Lucas who had the shot that led to the winning penalty.
"We are looking at our options because we are without Javier," added the boss.
"It is a blow to be without Mascherano because he has been playing very well, but I am sure we will be able to choose a very good player to take his place.
"Lucas is a young player who can be an option, but there is also Crouch and Voronin who have both been training well. I have a lot of confidence in Lucas, or Crouch or Voronin if we want to change the system. I don't think it will be a problem but we will lose something.
"Lucas can come in for Mascherano. He played well against Inter Milan, so why can he not play well against Everton? He can do the job.
"It is a very big game for both clubs, firstly because we are local rivals and there is a lot of pride at stake, but also because we are both looking to get fourth position.
"Everton have won a lot of games this season and are near the top of the table so we know that they are having a good season.
"We need to look to play well and I am sure it will be an exciting spectacle for everyone.
"But even if we do win I do not think it will mean that the battle for fourth place is over because we will have to go on and win more games in a row.
"Finishing fourth is always important for every club. We know what Champions League means in terms of money and also for the name of the club. It is really important.
"If we win the Champions League then we have qualified again. If someone offered me that I would take it, but it is important to be sure you will be in the top four. In the Champions League you never know what can happen."
You can listen to the derby live on Liverpoolfc.tv. Click here to sign up for an e-Season Ticket>>
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