We are going to play in the wcc - From lfc.tv - rafa confirms.
Posted: Fri Aug 19, 2005 4:43 pmRafael Benitez today confirmed he wants Liverpool to rule the world in Japan in December.
Benitez has revealed the Reds will take part in FIFA's showpiece World Club Championships as Europe's representatives following their stunning Champions League victory last season.
There were initial fears that fixture congestion could force the Reds to withdraw from the competition, but Benitez has insisted the chance to become World Champions is too irresistable to turn down.
The Reds first game will be in Yokohama on December 15 against either Sydney FC or Deportivo Saprissa from Costa Rica.
"We feel we must go to Japan," said Benitez today. "Looking at the Premiership fixtures, we will have to rearrange only one league game. Because we are European champions, I think it's good for us to be there.
"The problem has always been the number of games for us this season, not because we don't want to go. For the club and the players, it will be a great experience to play against teams from other continents.
"Obviously when you have a lot of fixtures, it's not easy, but we'll be positive about it. There was once a time when the European Cup wasn't as big as it is now.
"Maybe in years to come, this competition will have grown. It will be good for us if in years to come people see Liverpool has won the World Championship."
My personal view is that we should always have taken part in this competition. Its a big money spinner, just two games and its yet another trophy, one that no other club has (this is a new improved competition and this one will be the first). However now that we are definitly going, I think we have to put a strong team out and try to win it. Otherwise what's the point? Looking at Rafa's language I am confident he will treat the games seriously, but we would still have to be cautious.
Everyone assumes that the European Champions are going to stroll thorugh this competition, the world economy is such that Europe is where the money is for professional footballers, and all the best play in Europe. But the style of the South American teams can catch you out.
We've lost these kind of games before, games we were expected to win. W*nkchester United had a go when they borrowed our trophy, and despite having a vastly superior team they were played off the park. No coincidence. Its the style of football they play, the Brazilian teams in particular (if one of them emerges as champions of SA we'd have to be very wary). They won't be undone by the same things that work against our normal opponents. They will play football. I know we beat Arsenal last season, but at Highbury they were incredible. These teams probably have less skill than Everton, but play in a different style, and therefore are far more dangerous.
I'm confident Rafa can get us playing some nice stuff before long though, and as long as we prepare properly - we could soon be the reigning World and European Champions.
Tom
Benitez has revealed the Reds will take part in FIFA's showpiece World Club Championships as Europe's representatives following their stunning Champions League victory last season.
There were initial fears that fixture congestion could force the Reds to withdraw from the competition, but Benitez has insisted the chance to become World Champions is too irresistable to turn down.
The Reds first game will be in Yokohama on December 15 against either Sydney FC or Deportivo Saprissa from Costa Rica.
"We feel we must go to Japan," said Benitez today. "Looking at the Premiership fixtures, we will have to rearrange only one league game. Because we are European champions, I think it's good for us to be there.
"The problem has always been the number of games for us this season, not because we don't want to go. For the club and the players, it will be a great experience to play against teams from other continents.
"Obviously when you have a lot of fixtures, it's not easy, but we'll be positive about it. There was once a time when the European Cup wasn't as big as it is now.
"Maybe in years to come, this competition will have grown. It will be good for us if in years to come people see Liverpool has won the World Championship."
My personal view is that we should always have taken part in this competition. Its a big money spinner, just two games and its yet another trophy, one that no other club has (this is a new improved competition and this one will be the first). However now that we are definitly going, I think we have to put a strong team out and try to win it. Otherwise what's the point? Looking at Rafa's language I am confident he will treat the games seriously, but we would still have to be cautious.
Everyone assumes that the European Champions are going to stroll thorugh this competition, the world economy is such that Europe is where the money is for professional footballers, and all the best play in Europe. But the style of the South American teams can catch you out.
We've lost these kind of games before, games we were expected to win. W*nkchester United had a go when they borrowed our trophy, and despite having a vastly superior team they were played off the park. No coincidence. Its the style of football they play, the Brazilian teams in particular (if one of them emerges as champions of SA we'd have to be very wary). They won't be undone by the same things that work against our normal opponents. They will play football. I know we beat Arsenal last season, but at Highbury they were incredible. These teams probably have less skill than Everton, but play in a different style, and therefore are far more dangerous.
I'm confident Rafa can get us playing some nice stuff before long though, and as long as we prepare properly - we could soon be the reigning World and European Champions.
Tom
