We're not afraid: Benitez

14 April 2012

Rafael Benitez insisted today Liverpool were not scared of AC Milan going into tomorrow's European Cup Final.

Benitez, whose side knocked out Chelsea to reach the final, said: "We know how important the game will be for us and for the club but we don't have any anxiety, we have confidence. We have nothing to lose and a lot of things to win.

"We will try to do the things that are good for us and bad for AC Milan. We will try to see the weak points of AC Milan and try to beat them."

Asked what he thought about the prospect of Liverpool winning the European Cup but being unable to defend it because they finished outside the top four at home, Benitez said: "We are not thinking about these things, we are thinking about winning and then after it will be different and maybe the rules can change. I say you need to use common sense."

Liverpool centre-back Sami Hyypia echoed his manager's remarks, adding: "We are concentrating on the game. We have to win it first and then see if UEFA change the rules."

Meanwhile, Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti said they would get over the disappointment of missing out on the Italian league title after failing to win their last three Serie A games.

He said: "I have no doubts about my team, the only doubt is about the result. There are no doubts in my mind about the performance we will give. We have reached a goal which we have had throughout the season - to be here at this final in Istanbul.

"The team are in good shape and good form, and we hope to give a good display."

Ancelotti gave no clues as to his formation other than a comment that Argentine Hernan Crespo would play "but it's not sure if he will play from the start or not".

Italy international Filippo Inzaghi, recently returned from an injury lay-off, is the other option as partner for European Footballer of the Year Andriy Shevchenko in attack.

We're not afraid: Benitez

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