RAFA: REDS READY TO FIGHT
James Carroll 01 May 2009

Rafa Benitez today declared his players are not prepared to give up on their dream of lifting the Barclays Premier League title.
With four fixtures remaining, Liverpool are three points behind table toppers Manchester United, who also have a game in hand, but the Anfield boss today stated the Reds are ready to fight until the end.

"We have to try and win every game, get three points and see what happens with United," Benitez told his weekly press conference at Melwood.

"They are in a better position than us, but we have to keep going and keep winning matches.

"They have some tough games and you never know in football, so we have to make sure we do our job.

"Hopefully they will make some mistakes. They have a difficult game this weekend against Middlesbrough, a team fighting to avoid relegation, and they also have to play Hull away as well as City and Arsenal at home.

"Our players know they have to win and they have the belief and confidence we can fight until the end."

With Liverpool not in action until Sunday against Newcastle United, Alex Ferguson's men can extend their lead at the top of the table in the Saturday lunchtime fixture with Middlesbrough at the Riverside Stadium.

However, the Reds boss does not believe the difference in kick-off times will have an effect on his team.

"If United lose it could be good because we will have more confidence on Sunday, but normally you know if you play the day before and win, you can put the other team under pressure," added the Spaniard.

"For us it does not make a big difference because we know we have to win."

Benitez is expecting a tough encounter when Liverpool take on Newcastle United on Sunday.

The Reds crushed the Magpies 5-1 at St James' Park earlier in the season, but Benitez is anticipating a tighter game.

"I was watching Newcastle the other day and I have some reports on them so I will check them this weekend," he said:

"I could see the passion and the work rate of their team. They were working really hard trying to win.

"We will try to play at the same level as we did at St James' Park, but I think it will be a different match.

"When the other team is working so hard and it is so close to the end of the season, it will make it a tough match."

Liverpool will be boosted by the return of Steven Gerrard against Newcastle and Benitez confirmed he has no other injury worries.

He said: "Gerrard is fit. He has been training and hopefully he will be available for the game.

"The team were doing well without Stevie, but everyone knows we are stronger with him on the pitch. He is a player who can changes games and is very important for us.

"The rest of the squad are fit and I hope everyone will be available."

Benitez was quizzed by reporters on recent transfer speculation regarding Javier Mascherano and Xabi Alonso, but the manager insisted he is keen to keep hold of his key players this summer.

"I was talking with Javier this morning for 15 minutes about the comments in the press," revealed Benitez.

"He said 'I cannot stop top sides asking about me, or talking with my agent.' He is really pleased and happy to be here. He knows he is at a massive club.

"He is an idol for the fans and a key player for me so I think everything is okay.

"It is the same situation with Xabi - we want to keep the key players. That is something we are very clear on."

Asked if he was preparing for summer transfer activity, Benitez replied: "You have to prepare from the beginning, not just now.

"We are working hard and monitoring players, but we will not give any names.

"I think if you want to go for expensive players you have to manage the squad. We know there is a financial crisis around the world and have to be careful."

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