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| NEWS STORY |
RAFA: WE NEED PERFECT 90 MINUTES
Jimmy Rice
24 October 2008
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Rafa Benitez today told his players that nothing less than a 'perfect 90 minutes' will suffice if Liverpool are to end Chelsea's astonishing home record.
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Click here to watch Rafa's press conference>>
The Spaniard accepts that too often this season his side have failed to perform in the first half, meaning they've had to come from behind five times.
This was reversed against Atletico on Wednesday when the Reds led at the break only to leave Spain with a point.
Benitez knows this won't be good enough on Sunday against a side unbeaten at home in the league for nearly five years.
"In Madrid we played well in the first half and then it was surprising to see us lose some control after the break," said the boss.
"Every manager is looking for the perfect 90 minutes and so this weekend I want to see us start as we did in Spain but then keep the same level throughout the game.
"If they score first it will be really difficult for us so we have to do everything perfectly from the first whistle. When we get a chance we have to take it because we know they will have chances as well.
"They have a lot of good players playing good football. They're passing the ball really well and scoring lots of goals. But we're going there with confidence, looking to work hard, play well and produce some nice football."
Liverpool go into the game without the hamstrung Fernando Torres, while Robbie Keane is a doubt with a pelvis injury.
Benitez insists his team is capable of winning without their Ballon D'Or contender.
 | | Rafa on the title | | Arsenal and United are very strong teams. When you talk about the favourites you have to talk about them, and hopefully you will also talk about us at the end of the season. |
"We will go to Stamford Bridge to try to win and if we do, perfect. If not, we'll try not to lose and that will still be positive because we'll still be unbeaten."
Benitez has faced Chelsea 20 times since arriving in England in 2004 - more than any other team.
Phil Scolari is the third Blues manager he has faced in this time, a man he believes has brought a more attacking impetus to SW6.
"He is improving the squad and the team. They have more or less the same ideas but they're maybe more offensive now," said Benitez.
"I think they are a good team. I will not say they are better now because I don't want to start a war of words! But they are a good team and it's clear they are more offensive."
Both sides go into the game unbeaten on 20 points, four above Arsenal in fourth and six clear of champions Manchester United.
Not that Benitez is putting money on a two horse race.
"Clearly everyone is talking about us this year, and Chelsea too. But we know there's a long way to go," he said.
"Arsenal and United are very strong teams. When you talk about the favourites you have to talk about them, and hopefully you will also talk about us at the end of the season.
"Arsenal have quality and young players, and I think they can improve throughout the season. They will be there for sure."
Meanwhile, Benitez has backed countryman Juande Ramos to steer Spurs out of the relegation zone despite the Londoners gaining just two points from a possible 24.
"They won the Carling Cup and the team was good, and the team is still good, so I am sure they'll be higher in the league," said the gaffer.
"People talk about relegation - I don't think so. They have enough quality."
You can listen to the big game live on Liverpoolfc.tv. Click here to sign up for an e-Season Ticket>>
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