[lfc-news] Rafa aiming to celebrate New Year with a win - Official Site

Official LFC Website, 31 Dec 2004
RAFA AIMING TO CELEBRATE NEW YEAR WITH A WIN
Mark Platt 31 December 2004

Rafael Benitez insists he and his players are determined to give
Liverpool fans the perfect start to the New Year by beating Chelsea at
Anfield.
The Reds go into the game trailing the FA Barclaycard Premiership
leaders by 15 points but Benitez is confident his team can upset the
odds at Anfield, just like they did against reigning champions Arsenal
in November.

"This is a massive game and of equal importance for both Liverpool and
Chelsea," says the Liverpool manager. "Chelsea have a good manager and
good players but that is not to say they are unbeatable.

"They do have weaknesses. Afterwards I may speak about them but for now
we know what they are and we?ll look to capitalise on this.

"We have already beaten Arsenal at home this season when everybody was
expecting us to lose and I think we can win against Chelsea, especially
at home with our supporters behind us.

"We have given them a happy Christmas and our aim now is to make sure
they have a happy New Year as well."

Benitez also dismissed claims by Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho that Frank
Lampard is a better player than Steven Gerrard.

He added: "In my opinion, Gerrard is the best. He is a fantastic player
who epitomises the spirit we want at this club."

He is also refusing to let the reopening of the transfer window affect
his preparation for the New Year fixtures.

With Anfield expected to be a hive of transfer activity during January
all eyes are currently on the club.

But Benitez has revealed he will not be distracted from the immediate
task in hand.

"At the moment I am thinking only about the game against Chelsea,"
insists the Reds boss.

"I know we have been linked with a lot of names and a lot of good
players. We are a big club and we need to look for the best players but
at this moment the most important thing I can do for the club is to
think about the next game.

"Perhaps we can do something but I am not thinking about these things.
We have a lot of people within the club who are working for these
situations but my responsibility is to prepare for the games and I will
not be thinking about it until after the Norwich game."