Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has revealed that he finds Premier League fixtures more difficult to negotiate than Champions League matches.
Benitez’s disappointing domestic record is in stark contrast to his efforts in Europe where Liverpool have reached the Champions League final twice in the past three season, including a memorable success in 2005.
“In Europe you can approach a game tactically in a different way,” he said.
“In England it is a different style of football and more difficult for the manager to influence what goes on.
“It is not as simple to influence the game with tactics in England the way it is elsewhere in Europe.”
The 2-0 victory over Inter on Tuesday night did much to relieve pressure on Benitez, and he admitted that he hopes the performance will represent a turning point for the club this season.
“The victory was important for the club. We needed to play well for our own people, and the attitude of the players was very good. The whole night was really important for everyone at Liverpool,” Benitez continued.
“I have always had confidence in the team. If we can play like we did against Inter over and over again, it will be good and we will win a lot of games.
“If you can beat teams like that and play well, it gives us a high level of confidence in the squad.
“I know what people were saying (about me). But as a professional you must be ready for every game, to prepare for every game the best you can and with the same ideas.
“Now we have another important league game at the weekend at home to Middlesbrough. What we need to be is more consistent now.”
