Rafael Benitez has told his Liverpool players they can earn a place in his Champions League final team by beating Arsenal on Sunday.
The Liverpool manager believes the incentive of playing in the final may inspire his players in their remaining Premier League fixtures.
With Liverpool lying in fifth spot in the Premier League and therefore not guaranteed a place in next season’s Champions League, they must win both of their league fixtures if they are to be in with a chance of overhauling Everton in 4th spot.
“We have a week to prepare between each game so we don’t need to change players to give them a rest,” Benitez said.
“If they work hard they can play against Arsenal, Aston Villa and in the Champions League final,” he said.
“My players are not thinking about the final though. They will be focused on Arsenal. With two more games there is no problem with our mentality.”
Liverpool travel to Arsenal on Sunday before the final game of the season at home to Aston Villa. They are currently fifth, three points behind fourth-placed Everton, who are at home to Newcastle United on Saturday.
