Rafa: We've nothing to lose
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Rafael Benitez insists Liverpool have nothing to lose after being drawn against Barcelona in the knockout stages of the Champions League.
The Reds boss admitted the draw could have been kinder on his side, but claims a trip to the Camp Nou to face the defending champions in the spring is something that should whet the appetite of his players.
"We know they are a good team. At the moment they are playing in Japan in the World Club Championships and everybody is saying really good things about them," he told the club's official website.
"They won the Champions League last season and so it is a difficult draw for us, but we have two months to prepare for these games and we have nothing to lose.
"Everybody says Barcelona are one of the best sides in the world so we have to upset the situation. We have to be mentally ready to play against very good players.
"It is too soon to start talking about individual battles. We are looking forward to the games and we will play them with confidence.
"I have experience of playing at the Nou Camp with Valencia and we did quite well there. Hopefully we'll do well again.
"The main thing for us is we know we'll play the second game at Anfield. This could be an important factor for us." -
Actually, I feel Barcelona is unlucky to meet Liverpool.
On the paper, Liverpool is an extremely good side when playing in Europe. They had shown more resolve than most premiership side recently in Europe that made them technically a better side.
Of course, Barcelona are the favorites in this draw.
I like what Ferguson said the last time. "No side is favorites to win. Every side that comes into the Champion League is a good side"