Rafa: No added pressure

Rafael Benitez believes Liverpool will be feeling no extra pressure when they take on Benfica in Lisbon on Thursday evening - insisting every game his side play is just as important as another.

The Reds go head-to-head with the Portuguese giants at the Estadio da Luz in the first leg of the Europa League quarter-final with the competition representing their last chance of silverware this season.

However, Benitez states each and every match is important as Liverpool continue their quest to secure a successful conclusion to 2009-10.

"It doesn't matter what competition it is - Liverpool are a top side and we will try to win all competitions," the boss told reporters at his pre-match press conference in Lisbon.

"The Europa League is the option we have to bring some silverware to Liverpool, so we will try to do our best. But there is not more pressure in any particular competition because we are Liverpool Football Club.

"We want to progress in the competition and also finish in the top four. Both are our targets and now this game is the most important, but then on Sunday against Birmingham, that will be the most important.

"Benfica are a good, strong team with a good balance. It will be tough. We know they are not losing games and have confidence, but also we have confidence so hopefully we can do well and win."

Benfica have enjoyed a strong 2009-10 season so far. The Eagles currently sit at the top of the league table in their homeland and have also clinched the Portuguese League Cup.

"It is not surprising, it just confirms they are doing well," said Benitez, when asked about the form of Jorge Jesus' side.

"We know Javier Garcia, Aimar and Saviola - players that have played in Spain. Aimar was with me at Valencia and we also know Luisao from playing against them in the past.

"I know last season they couldn't qualify for the Champions League and it was difficult for them but they changed everything.

"Everyone knows Porto in Portugal, but now you can see a big difference because Benfica are doing well."

The tie will see Benitez come up against Argentina playmaker Pablo Aimar - a player who excelled during his tenure at Valencia.

The Reds boss, therefore, is well placed to discuss the ability of the 30-year-old, but he admits he is hoping it is Benfica's goalkeeper, rather than any of their outfield players, who sees most of the ball on Thursday.

"I think Aimar is a very good lad and player," he said. "He is a nice boy and I will be really pleased to see him scoring goals in the Portuguese championship.

"Sometimes it is better not to say anything (about key opposition players). If you say a certain one, it can be true and he is the most dangerous player.

"Hopefully their 'keeper can be good because it will mean we are attacking a lot."

The two sides meet at the Estadio da Luz for the first time since a Champions League last 16 clash in 2005-06.

Benfica prevailed 3-0 on aggregate on that particular occasion, but Benitez believes both teams are different to the ones that took to the field then.

Asked whether he thought the current Liverpool side were stronger than the 2006 outfit, he said: "I think so, but also Benfica are stronger too. It will be difficult to decide what will happen tomorrow."

Liverpool's preparations for the game suffered a setback when Alberto Aquilani was ruled out of contention with an ankle injury and did not join up with the party that travelled to Portugal.

Benitez said: "We'll have to check and decide what is going on tomorrow. They said it is not serious but still he has some problems. We will have to check tomorrow and we will see."

Meanwhile, reporters quizzed the gaffer on the form of Dutch duo Dirk Kuyt and Ryan Babel. 

"I am really pleased with them," said Benitez. "Babel was not playing some games but his reaction has been good.

"He showed character and wants to improve. Kuyt is a player who is working very hard in every game from the beginning until the end of the season."

Video: Rafa's Benfica preview>>