Benitez : Newcastle is no threat
Liverpool are clinging onto Manchester United’s coat-tails at the top of the Barclays Premier League while Newcastle are in the relegation zone, three points adrift of fourth-from-bottom Hull City.
The Merseysiders turned in one of their best performances of the season against the Magpies in December when they won 5-1 at St James’ Park.
However Benitez knows they are likely to face a much tougher test at Anfield on Sunday in a match vital to both clubs.
“We were really good that day,” said Benitez. “We were in control, we had a lot of chances and their goalkeeper (Shay Given) was man of the match. It was nearly a perfect game for us.”
Steven Gerrard, who has missed the last four matches with a groin injury, is set to return to face Alan Shearer’s side, but Manchester United could be six points clear of Liverpool at the top if they win at Middlesbrough on Saturday.
But whatever United’s result, Benitez knows his side simply have to win if they want to hold onto any hope of landing the title – and he insists a display similar to the one which blew Newcastle away last time the sides met is the requirement again.
“It will be different this time because they have a different manager and are in a different situation,” he added.
“And clearly they need to win, so I don’t think they will be waiting and waiting for a draw. They have quality players in attack.
“We just need to keep doing our job and we have the confidence to keep winning games. If Manchester United make a mistake then we have to be ready, so we must take three points from each game and then see what happens. We will not give up until the end.” – EPL
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Ryan Giggs says he will never leave United
The newly-crowned PFA Player of the Year made his 800th Red Devils appearance in Wednesday’s Champions League win over Arsenal.
With Middlesbrough to come in the Barclays Premier League on Saturday before next Tuesday’s return leg at the Emirates Stadium, Giggs know he will be used sparingly by Sir Alex Ferguson as he tries to get the most out of his squad.
For Giggs, an 11th league championship medal and third Champions League gong are on the horizon – proof of the value of being a one-club man, when the club is as successful as United.
There was a time when the former Wales skipper was linked with a move abroad, most notably with Inter Milan. However, Giggs did not consider the prospect and it was never remotely close.
“It was never a consideration to leave,” he said. “I was linked with a few clubs but it was never really close. Why would I think about it when I was always happy here?” – EPL
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Guss Hiddink believes Chelsea can sink Liverpool
Although Hiddink’s side have one foot in the semi-finals after last week’s stunning 3-1 victory at Anfield, Liverpool have developed a habit of upsetting the form book in Europe under Rafael Benitez.
Guus Hiddink believes Chelsea’s unbreakable team spirit will stop Liverpool staging a famous revival in Tuesday’s Champions League quarter-final second leg.
Liverpool’s fightback from 3-0 down to win the 2005 Champions League final against AC Milan proved how dangerous they can be, but it would take a spectacular meltdown to deny Chelsea a probable last four showdown against Barcelona, 4-0 winners over Bayern Munich in their first leg.”There is a fantastic spirit around this club, everyone believes in what we can achieve this season and it is exciting to be a part of that,” he said.
“But we must not lose our focus for one game or one minute and that means each game is as important as the next one. We have the same aim, which is to try and win all of them.
“It is important that we take the momentum gained from winning at Anfield into this game and keep our level of performance up.”
While a less resolute team could crack under the pressure of an early Liverpool goal on Tuesday, Blues boss Hiddink is convinced the squad’s togetherness will play a key role in finishing the job at Stamford Bridge.When Hiddink arrived at Chelsea in February the club’s season was in danger of fizzling out, but he quickly won the respect of players who were unconvinced by Scolari’s laidback regime.
Now Chelsea look back to their intimidating best and they could still finish the season with a treble. Saturday’s 4-3 win over Bolton kept them within four points of Manchester United in the Premier League, while Tuesday’s Liverpool showdown is followed by an FA Cup semi-final against Arsenal at Wembley.When Hiddink arrived at Chelsea in February the club’s season was in danger of fizzling out, but he quickly won the respect of players who were unconvinced by Scolari’s laidback regime.
Now Chelsea look back to their intimidating best and they could still finish the season with a treble. Saturday’s 4-3 win over Bolton kept them within four points of Manchester United in the Premier League, while Tuesday’s Liverpool showdown is followed by an FA Cup semi-final against Arsenal at Wembley.
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Andy Carroll hopeful of Newcastle United staying in Premier League
Carroll’s equaliser at Stoke secured a first point for interim manager Alan Shearer, and the 20-year-old hopes it will prove a turning point.
He told the Newcastle Chronicle: “We all believe we can get out of trouble, but we needed a break and I think this could be it.
“There are only six games left in the league, and with us being down towards the bottom of the table, we need every point we can get.
“We are now two points behind Sunderland but we are all confident we can get out of trouble and we’ve got another massive game against Spurs coming up.”
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John Terry wants Guus Hiddink to stay
The Dutchman has revitalised the Blues since taking over from Luiz Felipe Scolari on a temporary basis earlier this season. But his contract runs out in May and his insistence that he will resume his role as Russia coach on a full-time basis has reportedly prompted Chelsea to sound out Ancelotti about the job.
However, Terry has been impressed by Hiddink’s methods and wants the club’s owner, Roman Abramovich, to do everything in his power to keep the former PSV Eindhoven manager at Stamford Bridge. “He (Hiddink) has a good relationship with Roman Abramovich,” said the England defender.
“Things have gone very well and I’m sure there will be talks ongoing. If we keep progressing there’s only going to be one option. He’s done brilliantly. He’s on at us every day in training, and he doesn’t let anyone get away with anything.”As well as the link with Ancelotti, it has also been reported that many of Chelsea’s players would like Abramovich to move for Jose Mourinho, the former Chelsea manager currently in charge at Inter Milan. However, Terry played down those claims.
Chelsea remain in touch with Manchester United in the Premier League title race after Saturday’s 4-3 win over Bolton Wandererskept them four points behind the leaders. Although they need United to slip up twice to overhaul the champions, Terry is convinced they are firmly in contention.
“Make no mistake, we can still win the league,” he said. “Man United and Liverpool have both surrendered good positions this season, as have we, but we’re in a good frame of mind and have to be ready to take advantage of any slip-up.” – FIFA
“Listen, Jose was a great manager and had some great times here,” he said. “But it’s someone else’s turn now to kick on. Mourinho is a world-class manager, a lot of the players are still in contact with him.
“But we need stability at the club now. The manager’s done brilliantly and got us playing freely. But it’s down to the board to make those decisions.”
