SkySports News.
Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has warned Steven Gerrard not to get too comfortable in his favoured central midfield role.
Gerrard reverted back to the middle of the park against Sunderland last weekend and responded with an improved personal display in the 3-0 win.
For a long time critics have been calling on Benitez to deploy Gerrard in what they feel is his best position but the Reds boss insists the team come first.
"I said after the game in the press conference he has been playing on the right, or left," said Benitez.
System
"I remember discussions with England about Gerrard and Frank Lampard not being able to play in the middle but they can.
"He can play everywhere because he knows what to do in every position.
"He was keen to do the best for the team and the best for the team the other day was for him to play in this role with Javier Mascherano.
"For me it is not the player and the system but altogether.
"In the last year with the same system we were quite offensive and this year we have scored a lot of goals, especially at Anfield, with the same system.
"It has been Lucas-Mascherano, Lucas-Aquilani, Lucas-Gerrard, Mascherano-Aquilani - we can mix and match. It gives us more options."
Talks
Benitez also confirmed the club are still waiting for winger Albert Riera to finalise a proposed loan move to Spartak Moscow after reports emerged that the deal had stalled because of a failure to agree personal terms.
"He is still talking. He is talking with Spartak," added Benitez.
"He is training sometimes but now we have to wait and now we have games in the week we have to keep the players who are normally involved."
Meanwhile, young defender Martin Kelly is awaiting a doctor's decision to learn whether he will require a knee operation.
The youngster tore the meniscus in training at the weekend and is likely to be out for the rest of the season.
SkySports News
Thursday's Europa League clash against Benfica.
The Reds tackle Benfica in the first leg of their quarter-final tie after getting the better of French outfit Lille in the last round.
Benitez's side recently emerged from a slump having won three of their last four outings, scoring 11 goals in the process.
The likes of Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard have impressed and Benitez is crossing his fingers his stars are fit for Wednesday's(Thursday) European clash.
The Spanish tactician has also been boosted by the return of England international Glen Johnson recently and he chipped in with a goal in Sunday's comfortable win over Sunderland, while Maxi Rodriguez, ineligible for Europe, has caught the eye in recent domestic games.
Options
"If they can stay fit I think it will be very important because you have more options," said Benitez ahead of Wednesday's clash.
"When you have two games a week it is important to have different players available so you can change the system and you can keep the tempo.
"It is really important to have Fernando, Gerrard and Maxi available.
"I can see Fernando is focused and he wants to do well. We are surprised sometimes by what he can do but my idea is that he can improve.
"He knows how to get better. Two goals and a great performance again against Sunderland is what the team needed.
"Johnson is an attacking defender and sometimes when you have the team playing well at home and everyone is going forward he can be a real threat.
"He had one or two chances against Sunderland and he was very dangerous down the right side."
Rafa happy that a near fully fit squad is now increasing his attacking options.
Riera should be gone this week.
Kelly unfortunately injured again.
Covers a lot of topics so started a new one
« Last Edit: Mar 31, 2010 01:12:38 pm by racerx34 »
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