RAFA: LET’S CONTINUE OUR MOMENTUM

canz85

Rafael Benitez today called upon his side to recapture the form that saw them top the Barclays Premier League prior to the international break.  
The Reds have not won since the 6-0 rout of Derby County three weeks ago and Benitez is keen to rectify that by putting the draws at Portsmouth and Porto behind them with a victory at home to Birmingham City tomorrow.
  
"We need to get back to playing good football, passing the ball well, creating chances and scoring goals as we were doing before the international break," said Benitez.
  
"You know my ideas as to why it's difficult for players to keep the same level after the internationals.
  
"I knew this would be a very dangerous time for us.
  
"I can talk about this another 400 times, but now we must focus on what we can do for ourselves.
  
"The positive news is we are still unbeaten and our idea is continue the momentum we have created for as long as possible.
  
"I know Birmingham will be a strong opponent. They have a lot of experience and their manager knows Liverpool very well.”

canz85

Rafael Benitez today admitted the Reds have been left short defensively following the injury to Daniel Agger.  
Agger will be out of action for at least the next four weeks after picking up a foot injury on international duty, leaving Jamie Carragher and Sami Hyypia as the only experienced central defenders at the club.
  
"We knew this was a position we could have most problems if we suffered injuries," said Benitez.
  
"We will be okay if Carra and Sami can stay fit, but we know if there are any more difficulties we will have more problems. Hopefully that will not be the case.
  
"Jack Hobbs will train with the first team and we will see how he progresses. Arbeloa also has experience at centre-half if we need him."
  
Benitez will also be without Xabi Alonso - another metatarsal victim - for the forseeable future and he doesn't expect either player to be fit until towards the end of next month.
  
"Even if they are fit again in four weeks, they will not have trained so they wouldn"t be ready," he added.