Rafa : We must keep calm

Rafa Benitez warned his players to remain calm after they returned to top spot with a dramatic 1-0 win at Fulham. Yossi Benayoun sent the Reds two points clear of Manchester United with a goal deep into injury time.

 

 

Despite his own evident joy from the sidelines, Benitez knows United can regain the lead if they win the first of two games in hand at home to Aston Villa on Sunday.

Hopefully we can keep the fans happy until the end. As a manager you have to be calm and leave the fans to enjoy. There are still a lot of games left. I haven't seen (my reaction) back yet but I am calm. It was a very important goal at a crucial time.

It was the 11th time Liverpool have scored in the dying moments of games this season - a stat Benitez credits to his staff.

 

 

You never say, 'Oh we're going to score in the last minute.' But we always talk about having to keep going until the end. The belief, the confidence and quality of the players is good. Physically the team is good thanks to the staff. Everyone is pushing - Sammy Lee, Mauricio Pellegrino and Xavi Valero. They are giving the players belief. When we decided the 11 starters today it was really difficult. Mascherano was late back from internationals, some players were tired and we had some problems with Benayoun. But the 11 players played really well in the first half, and after the substitutions in the second half it was the same. This shows the quality of the squad.

We worked so hard, played well and deserved to win. It was important for the fans and the main thing was the belief in the team. I always had confidence because we were playing well. The message at half time was to keep doing the same and you'll score. I think it's really important not only because it keeps United under pressure, but also for us. It will still be difficult but we are winning games and we have a lot of confidence now. But the winning mentality is to do things not say things, and we want to do things.

 

I just looooooooove the Arab commentary on this one... Yalaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa :)

 

And the kid cheering and giving a hug to his father (near the end of the video) shows  what the whole spirit of Liverpool is all about...