RAFA READY TO WELCOME BACK TORRES
Steve Hunter in Berlin 22 July 2008
Rafa Benitez reflected on the goalless draw with Hertha Berlin by suggesting Liverpool's level of play will step up a gear when Spanish quartet Fernando Torres, Pepe Reina, Xabi Alonso and Alvaro Arbeloa return to training on Friday.
The Spanish players have been on extended leave after their wonderful achievement in winning Euro 2008, and despite taking several positives from the Olympic Stadium stalemate, Benitez is looking forward to having them back with the squad again.
"All the Spanish players will be back training with us on Friday," he said. "Torres will be one of them and hopefully we will see the difference in our play because of the quality these players showed last season."
Benitez's squad are now on their way back to England after Tuesday's draw.
Andriy Voronin came the closest to scoring for the Reds when he had a penalty saved, while new Brazilian goalkeeper Diego Cavalieri impressed with a second-half stop to deny countryman Cicero.
"Diego showed the quality he has with a really good save," said Benitez. "He is learning how we do things here and getting to know the players. I think he will be a good player for us.
"I thought the game was played at a high tempo and both teams were working hard. We had chances and they did too, so a draw was probably a fair result.
"The work-rate of the players was really good. We made some mistakes but that is normal for pre-season. We also did some really good things.
"When you have four of five players who normally play not available it's not always easy to play at your highest level, but the young players have done well. The players have worked hard in the training camp and that is positive for us."
Meanwhile, Javier Mascherano played his first 90 minutes of pre-season before he heads out to the Olympics with Argentina on Wednesday.
"It was important to give Javier his first 90 minutes," added the boss. "We needed to use him before he goes to the Olympics."
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Talking of Torres
He, along with the rest of the Spanish contingent will be back on Friday.
Will be good to see them back next week in the Villarreal game.
I'm sure they'll get a rousing reception from the crowd after their achievements in the Euro's.
Hopefully their success will rub off on the rest of the squad, cos they'll be buzzing when they get back
