Reds given Raf guide to beating Los Blancos
RAFA BENITEZ says patience and intensity will be keys to Liverpool’s hopes of reaching the semi-finals of the Champions League.
The former Reds’ chief says there is no reason why Jurgen Klopp’s side cannot turn around their two-goal deficit to Real Madrid at Anfield.
But he believes that both cool heads and an increase in the energy levels will be needed to claw back the goals against Los Blancos after a 3-1 first-leg defeat.
Benitez is busy doing his homework in the North West ahead of his next job and has been adding yet more information on players to his personal database, taking in the best the continent has to offer this week.
And he claims that there is no need to charge headlong into the return leg.
He said: “The way the tie is, if you score once, you are back in it. Even if that takes an hour, so be it.
“For me, the key will be not to get too anxious – for them to manage that anxiety – don’t rush it.
“Maintain concentration levels and keep focused. With quality players, a goal will come.
“But Liverpool have to be in a position where they can keep a clean sheet – and they will have to be more aggressive at Anfield and play with greater intensity over 90 minutes than they did in Madrid.
“Sadly, they cannot rely on the crowd to provide the spark for that.
“In my experience, the supporters at Anfield have been a huge factor on those European nights. I don’t think you can dispute that. It has been one reason for their success. Now, that drive will have to come from within.”
Benitez (above) says that trying to pinpoint weaknesses within the Real Madrid side is difficult as they are top opponents.
But he does not feel this Liverpool side did itself justice in Spain. He said: “Real Madrid are a balanced side. Casimero does that really well for them. He allows Toni Kroos and Luca Modric to move around. And to win football matches, you need a balance.
“He also allows the full-backs to move forward. But the reality is they weren’t exposed too much.
“Mo Salah and Sadio Mane have it in them to cause problems in the return leg if they can find that intensity to their play.”