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For fans of both clubs, this is not just a battle for 3 points in the league - it is much more, a battle for the right to be called the best when two of the most powerful English teams meet.
R. Benitez, by the way, strongly asserts that Liverpool's attitude towards the matches should be equal to that before [other clubs], as otherwise you will get in trouble... "Why change the game plan or attitude? It would be beneficial for the opponents" - argues Rafa.
"Everyone tells me that these will be the most important matches, because "Liverpool" vs "Man Utd" is an essential part of English history" - said Rafa. "I hope that in the future people will talk about other matches in the same way, and that means we are fighting for the highest titles. I understand perfectly the importance of the match and how intense the atmosphere will be. I have been to Old Trafford, I remember the atmosphere, and I am ready for this challenge."
"I like the match atmosphere at English stadiums. The fans are passionate, it's like double matches - the teams fight on the field and the fans in the stands. And after the match, fans of both teams go to the pub together... In Spain it's similar, but not as intense... I think that the matches, in terms of their importance, attitude, and prevailing atmosphere at Old Trafford, in society and the press, should be similar to the matches between Valencia and Real Madrid in Spain in recent seasons. The atmosphere in the stadium is fantastic, so sometimes the referee becomes the key player on the field... It's very important to control such matches, which unofficially and officially have been called the "Battle of England" for years..."
"Everyone knows that Old Trafford is a big stadium, "Man Utd" is the biggest and most powerful club in the world, and this is very important for our fans. Sir Alex Ferguson is a great manager (NOTE: I wouldn't call English club managers coaches - because there is a big difference between COACH and MANAGER - in England exactly - MANAGER.) and the whole world talks about Ferguson and "Man Utd" with respect, just like Arsene Wenger and [other club]. And I really hope that soon people will talk about Benitez and Liverpool in the same way. I really hope. At the same time, it's very important not to overestimate things and not to increase tension even more. The manager must stay calm and prepare for the match correctly. All I need is 3 points. And whether it's a big stadium and the biggest club in the world, or a small town team - it's still the same 3 points."
Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson knows very well what it takes to win the Premier League, and when he says that this season "Liverpool" are serious contenders for the title, dear fans, take it seriously.
United started this season the worst in Premier League history. It is understandable that "Man Utd" looks like a wounded tiger with so many injured key players and an unstable goalkeeper Tim Howard, and it seems that on Monday evening in the match against Liverpool, "United's" season's nightmare will last at least another week...
Ferguson, by the way, speaks more not about the Monday match, but about the long and hard season, which, let's be honest - does not even close to fit into the English mindset - so - neither "Chelsea" nor "Arsenal" can be calm and rest on their laurels...
In Sir Alex's opinion, "Liverpool" can seriously compete for the highest trophies, while last year, the season practically ended for the Kop.
"By calling the best players from the Spanish league, Rafael did the same thing Arsene Wenger did when he became Arsenal manager. Arsene was very well acquainted with the French football market, invited young French players whom other clubs wouldn’t even notice, and turned them into fantastic footballers" - Ferguson said.
"Rafael obviously knows the Spanish football market very well, has good ideas, and it will be very interesting to observe their (Liverpool's) progress and achievements. Liverpool disappointed their fans last season, but you can never write off a club with great football traditions that has won so many trophies (note - Liverpool - the most successful English team, with the most European cups won - 4 Champions Leagues and 3 UEFA). Liverpool is one of the most powerful English clubs, with many fans around the world and a strong financial background. They are a serious and dangerous opponent, no doubt.
