[lfc-news] They're all out to beat us now

------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~-->
Get fast access to your favorite Yahoo! Groups. Make Yahoo! your home page
http://us.click.yahoo.com/dpRU5A/wUILAA/yQLSAA/2_TolB/TM
--------------------------------------------------------------------~->

They're all out to beat us now Sep 13 2005
By Chris Bascombe in Seville, Liverpool Echo

RAFA BENITEZ will warn his players against the perils of being the biggest
scalp in European football before they begin the sternest defence of their
title so far against Real Betis.

After three qualifying rounds where the Reds made comfortable progress,
tonight represents the true beginning of Liverpool's bid to retain the
trophy they won so thrillingly in Istanbul.

The Reds trained in Betis' Manuel Luis De Lopera stadium last night, where
Benitez faced a grilling on his side's attempts to match last season's
staggering achievement.

"It's true teams may fight harder against us because we're European
Champions," admitted the Liverpool boss.

"I know it's going to be very difficult for us, but we ' ve shown in the
competition last season we can play well in these situations. We know we
must be careful."

For Benitez, a visit to Real Betis is by no means a trip into the unknown.

A long period of his coaching apprentice-ship was spent watching the
Seville club, so he knows exactly what is in store for his side.

Benitez explained: "When I was starting as a coach I was an assistant for a
reserve team in the Spanish second division. I had to scout all the teams
who played against us the week before the fixture.

"Because of the schedule, every side I scouted was playing against Betis.
There was one season, where every week I was watching Betis. I know a lot
about the club, although they were in the second division at that time.

"Their supporters are fantastic and Seville is like a party town with two
clubs with a strong rivalry. Half for Seville, half for Betis. I know what
it will be like for this game."

The Liverpool boss is expected to reshuffle his side this evening, with the
Spanish contingent appearing on familiar territory.

Xabi Alonso is tipped to join Steven Gerrard and Momo Sissoko in a five man
midfield behind Peter Crouch, who will want to impress the watching Sven
Goran Eriksson.

Josemi could also be in line for a surprise recall, allowing Steve Finnan
to push into midfield.

Unsubscribe: lfc-news-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
http://www.lfc-list.org.uk/

Yahoo! Groups Links

<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lfc-news/

<*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
lfc-news-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

<*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/