UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE THIRD QUALIFYING ROUND: Standard Liege v LiverpoolTHE ROAD to Rome does not appear straightforward for Rafael Benitez, but the Spaniard says he will not be distracted from the lucrative prize on offer when Liverpool launch their Champions League campaign here tonight. Given that he reached last season's semi-finals amid division and rancour at Anfield, only a strange few would not take the Liverpool manager at his word.
Refused the funds to complete his four-month pursuit of Gareth Barry on the basis that the Aston Villa midfielder does not represent good value for money, Benitez begins the new season as he endured the last; at loggerheads with the Liverpool co-owners, Tom Hicks and George Gillett, and simmering over the club's transfer policy.
With at least €15 million at stake against Standard Liege tonight, however, the feuding must wait.
Rome, the venue for the Champions League final in May 2009, will always hold an elevated place in Anfield affections because of the European Cup triumphs in the Stadio Olimpico of 1977 and 1984. The motivation for a hat-trick may be less romantic for Benitez than the club's fans, shaped as it is by financial necessity and the welcome distractions the competition has provided throughout his Liverpool reign, but the ambition remains the same.
"Even if we signed a player today he could not play against Standard Liege so I am not worried about that situation. I am only concentrating on the game," the Liverpool manager said last night.
"I am really calm about the situation. I don't have any problems. I am not distracted. I am focused only on this game."
Benitez is prepared to play Xabi Alonso against Liege even though a Champions League appearance could affect his transfer value, although no club is currently prepared to meet Liverpool's asking price and, with Javier Mascherano and Lucas at the Olympics, and Barry in limbo, his options in central midfield are limited.
The prospect of Fernando Torres and Robbie Keane playing together for the first time in a competitive fixture has encouraged Benitez' optimism not only for tonight but for the entire Champions League campaign.
"They have not played together much so far and it will take time but as a partnership they can be as good as anyone in this competition," he said.
The Spaniard pledged to field his strongest possible team against the champions of Belgium and will give a late fitness test to Steven Gerrard as the Liverpool captain recovers from a thigh strain suffered against Valerenga last week.
"He is progressing really well but we will check after training," said Benitez. "I will also speak to the doctor and to Steven before making a decision about whether he is ready to play."
Liverpool travelled to Belgium without the injured Martin Skrtel, Fabio Aurelio and Philipp Degen while Steve Finnan was also left behind on Merseyside despite being fit to face Liege.
The Republic of Ireland defender is believed to have fallen out with Benitez over the manager's intent to sell him this summer, either as a makeweight in a deal for Barry or as a means to raise funds to sign the Villa captain, and his omission is a further indication of how he has been marginalised at Anfield.
"We have [Alvaro] Arbeloa and, if we have any problems, we can put Carra [Jamie Carragher] on the right," Benitez said dismissively.
The manager is refusing to give up hope of signing Barry and would not have to rely on a short-term loan from his American employers if he raised more revenue through player sales. The striker Andriy Voronin is also surplus to requirements in Benitez' eyes but, unlike Finnan, he will be involved in Belgium following an encouraging pre-season.
The 29-year-old, signed on a free transfer from Bayer Leverkusen last year, has also revealed his preference is to remain at Liverpool and prove his many doubters wrong.
"I have had a great pre-season run and am the fittest I have ever been. I am really looking forward to this season and know I can do a job for the team," said Voronin, who will be on the bench tonight if Benitez elects to field Torres and Keane together for the first time in a competitive game.
"It's not going to be easy for me but I am up for the fight and am working very hard. My English has improved and I have settled well in Liverpool. Now I need the chance to prove my quality."
Guardian Service
