RAFA BENITEZ is convinced Chelsea are the ones under pressure in tonight’s Euro rematch — because his side have nothing to lose.
The Stamford Bridge stars already have one foot in the semi-finals of the Champions League after last week’s 3-1 first-leg hiding left Liverpool 14-1 outsiders just to progress.
But don’t tell that to Kop boss Benitez.
Or mention the fact the Reds need their biggest win at Stamford Bridge since a 5-2 romp in their last title-winning season, back in 1989.
As far as the Spaniard is concerned, it is still very much game on.
And in the hunt for silver linings amidst a welter of Champions League storm clouds, he believes he has just the thing.
While it may look like mission impossible to most, Benitez reckons the size of the mountain could actually work in his team’s favour as they can play with greater abandon.
He insisted: “Of course we know that we are now in a very bad position but we have nothing to lose.
“We can approach the game without pressure and anything can happen — that’s football.
“If we play without anxiety and nervousness, we can play better.
“Clearly, we will have a lot of fans behind us at Stamford Bridge and we will try and do our best for them and for us because we are professionals.”
There are certainly enough straws for Benitez to cling to ahead of the second leg.
A week ago they had the perfect start when Fernando Torres put them ahead inside five minutes, before Chelsea found their feet.
A repeat tonight would change the whole complexion immediately.
They have gone to Old Trafford and stuck four past Manchester United, while lowly Bolton managed to hit three at the Bridge on Saturday.
Torres is in the form of his life, while the inspirational Steven Gerrard will line up alongside him after resting his troublesome groin during Saturday’s thrashing of Blackburn.
And if Dirk Kuyt had not missed a sitter after Chelsea levelled at Anfield, it could be a completely different story.
Benitez added: “Chelsea played well and had chances, while we made mistakes.
“But we still could have scored again, so why not at Stamford Bridge?
“Chelsea will think it’s nearly done but we have to approach it thinking we can still get through.”
Reds midfielder Xabi Alonso said: “The key is to score quickly and make them nervous.
“What happened at Anfield was an accident and this time we will show we are superior to the Blues. This club never concedes defeat.
“Rafa Benitez has spoken very clearly with us. He thinks it is possible and we always believe in the boss.”
The Stamford Bridge stars already have one foot in the semi-finals of the Champions League after last week’s 3-1 first-leg hiding left Liverpool 14-1 outsiders just to progress.
But don’t tell that to Kop boss Benitez.
Or mention the fact the Reds need their biggest win at Stamford Bridge since a 5-2 romp in their last title-winning season, back in 1989.
As far as the Spaniard is concerned, it is still very much game on.
And in the hunt for silver linings amidst a welter of Champions League storm clouds, he believes he has just the thing.
While it may look like mission impossible to most, Benitez reckons the size of the mountain could actually work in his team’s favour as they can play with greater abandon.
He insisted: “Of course we know that we are now in a very bad position but we have nothing to lose.
“We can approach the game without pressure and anything can happen — that’s football.
“If we play without anxiety and nervousness, we can play better.
“Clearly, we will have a lot of fans behind us at Stamford Bridge and we will try and do our best for them and for us because we are professionals.”
There are certainly enough straws for Benitez to cling to ahead of the second leg.
A week ago they had the perfect start when Fernando Torres put them ahead inside five minutes, before Chelsea found their feet.
A repeat tonight would change the whole complexion immediately.
They have gone to Old Trafford and stuck four past Manchester United, while lowly Bolton managed to hit three at the Bridge on Saturday.
Torres is in the form of his life, while the inspirational Steven Gerrard will line up alongside him after resting his troublesome groin during Saturday’s thrashing of Blackburn.
And if Dirk Kuyt had not missed a sitter after Chelsea levelled at Anfield, it could be a completely different story.
Benitez added: “Chelsea played well and had chances, while we made mistakes.
“But we still could have scored again, so why not at Stamford Bridge?
“Chelsea will think it’s nearly done but we have to approach it thinking we can still get through.”
Reds midfielder Xabi Alonso said: “The key is to score quickly and make them nervous.
“What happened at Anfield was an accident and this time we will show we are superior to the Blues. This club never concedes defeat.
“Rafa Benitez has spoken very clearly with us. He thinks it is possible and we always believe in the boss.”