Rafa Benitez today called for cool heads among his players as Liverpool prepare for a season-defining game.

VIDEO: Rafa's pre-Atletico thoughts>>

The Reds must overturn a 1-0 first leg deficit against Atletico Madrid at Anfield if they are to play in the inaugural Europa League final on May 12.

Benitez knows the success of 2009-10 hinges on Thursday's result - but he is demanding calm from his players ahead of what is the biggest game of our season.

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"The key in this game is to remain calm, keep a cool head," the gaffer told his pre-match press conference.

"We know we can score, so the main thing is to not go mad. We know if we play our own game we can get through. We can't get over-obsessed with the scoreline.

"We've done this before. We know the threats they pose but it's 11 versus 11, so let's hope our 11 can impose themselves on Atletico's 11 - and that the 12^th man, the crowd, can be decisive as well.

"It's clear that we start the game losing, but the atmosphere, the crowd means hopefully they will feel the pressure more than us.

"It's a very important game for the future and for the history of the club."

Benitez added: "If you are in a semi-final it's something positive. To win the final would be a trophy - an important trophy. That's positive.

"The only problem is the expectations because we were expecting to be at the top of the table. But a lot of clubs would like to be in our position - in a semi-final and fighting to be in the top four."

Benitez is set to decide on the fitness of Dirk Kuyt and David Ngog on Thursday - but he is confident Ryan Babel could stand in up front in their absence.

"Both will train tomorrow and then we will decide," he said. "Today was just a light training session.

"Ryan can play there. We know he likes to play up front, so we will see. He is a player with pace and ability, and he can score goals. He's a different kind of striker but it could be good."

Reporters asked Benitez whether he felt there had been a change of attitude from Babel over recent months.

He said: "It's true that we had conversations with him and his agent about his future. I was very clear and he was very positive after the meeting."

Asked if this game represents one final European adventure for Rafa Benitez and Liverpool, the boss replied: "I hope there'll be many more European nights like tomorrow. And let's hope we can carry on enjoying those for some time in the future."

Meanwhile, Liverpool today announced the signing of England youth star Jonjo Shelvey, who will join from Charlton on May 10.

The transfer is part of a wider club policy to attract English talent.

"Since three or four years ago we've tried to sign British players because of the passion and the knowledge of the club," Benitez said. "We tried with Gareth Barry in the past, Glen Johnson was another, and now we have some younger players coming."

The Spaniard was also quizzed on the omission of Pepe Reina from the PFA Team of the Year, with on loan Birmingham stopper Joe Hart taking the position in goal.

"You know my idea - for me Reina is the best 'keeper in England and that's very clear," said the boss. "He's shown that in the past and this year he's doing very well, but it's not my decision."

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