From Liverpoolfc.tv
Javier Mascherano has admitted the Reds are determined not to let Rafael Benitez down at Arsenal today after spending the week preparing for this afternoon's clash at Arsenal without their manager.
Benitez will be in the dug-out at the Emirates, but has been absent from Melwood all week after recovering from a minor operation.
Mascherano insists there has been a notable void at the training ground over recent days - but he is hopeful the players will secure top spot for Christmas with victory over the Gunners to put a smile back on the face of their boss.
"It has been a strange week, different," said Mascherano. "We are preparing for a big match and it's like 'Where is the boss?' We are so used to having him there all the time, getting involved with everything. You find yourself looking up to see him, and there is just a space.
"We don't want to let him down against Arsenal. He loves football so much, every aspect of it, so we know it must have been something important to have kept him away."
Mascherano is well aware that Arsenal's brand of football is considered to be easier on the eye than Liverpool's way of playing but, as well as disagreeing with that thought, the Argentine midfielder insists the only thing that matters is which team is celebrating title glory in May.
"I want to get results and win titles rather than be popular," he said. "I actually think Liverpool often play well, but maybe people like Arsenal more because they pass the ball too much.
"Liverpool's record shows you how hard it is to beat us. We never lose many games, this season we've been defeated just once in the league.
"We want to play the best way to win the title. If we end up as champions, it doesn't matter how we did it. And nobody will remember your football if you don't win the league."
According to that article Rafa will be at the match. Let's hope we win and make Rafa happy.
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