Benitez puts fans first as battle off the pitch at Anfield continues to rage

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

As his side try to consolidate fourth place at Fulham today before facing Chelsea on Tuesday in the Champions League semi-final, the Liverpool manager said: "I feel we have a responsibility to try to guarantee fourth position and get as far as we can in the Champions League.

Targets: Rafa Benitez

"Everyone else can talk about events off the pitch as much as they like, but the important thing for the players and myself is to concentrate on football and not get involved.

"We are thinking about Fulham and Chelsea and the best way we can serve the interests of the club is to really focus on those games and move a step nearer giving the fans what they want.

"The question that concerns me is what I can do to improve the team and give something back to the people who have supported us and backed us for so long.

"We are working hard to make sure we prepare thoroughly and achieve all our targets.

Despite all the uncertainty at the club, Benitez is more concerned about the fitness of Steven Gerrard.

His captain injured his neck heading the ball in training this week and Benitez explained: "Maybe he was putting too much into it, because he felt some reaction afterwards."

Gerrard's absence would not please Gary Megson, boss of Fulham's relegation rivals Bolton.

His fears that Liverpool will rest players for their clash with Chelsea by fielding a weakened team today brought a sharp retort from Benitez.

He said: "I seem to remember he fielded a severely weakened team when they were involved in Europe this season, so it seems a bit of a contradiction."