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UEFA Champions League final tonight at the Olympic "Ataturk" Stadium in Istanbul is sure to be intense and unpredictable, and if "Liverpool" doesn't give away as little ball as R. Benitez did before the match, it may be that the winner will need extra time and even more so.
As always calm and pleasant, Benitez's face did not betray even a drop of tension, which undoubtedly will weigh on the team as the match approaches. "Most of the time, we talked about one game and didn't really look ahead, but now we are here and we are happy about it," said the Spaniard. " We know how important these matches are for the club and personally for us, but we don't expect anything; players have nothing to lose and everything to gain."
During the press conference, Benitez seemed prepared to stick to the game plan that gave "Liverpool" this unexpected opportunity to fight for a fifth title in Europe: "Rarely do we see open finals, unless one team scores early. I think both teams will play in their style: we will be compact, but whether we will attack or counterattack also depends on the opponents."
"We have a certain style, and we will try to exploit Milan's weaknesses. All coaches want their teams to play beautifully, but we are playing against a team that wants to do the same, and sometimes people are afraid to lose. If it is possible to play more beautifully, we will certainly try, but I just want to score one more goal than them," admitted Benitez.
R. Benitez understands that "Liverpool" has a great historical past in European tournaments, and knows how important the supporters were on this journey to the final: "I know we have the best fans, maybe even the best in the world. I know that the city constantly shows us on television and broadcasts on the radio, so winning the European trophy for the fifth time would be fantastic."
Talking about his opponents, the coach stated that he did not think Milan would be affected by the recent defeat to Juventus in the fight for the Italian champions' title: "It doesn't matter. They want to win, and have many experienced players. But we are hungry for victories, and we can match their experience with our hunger."
Benitez, who won the UEFA Cup last season with Valencia, can make history next year by winning the Champions League title with a different club. "The UEFA Cup is important, but this trophy is the most important in club football, for me as a coach," said the Spanish strategist. "When I decided to come to England, it was because I wanted to win titles. I enjoy the situation. I like to participate in such matches. When you decide to be a coach, you do it to win trophies and participate in such competitions. Maybe today we will see the best Milan, but, of course, I want to see the best Liverpool."
