Benitez wary of Haifa as Reds seek first leg cushion

LIVERPOOL will be without Robbie Fowler (knee) and Fabio Aurelio (calf) for the Champions League third qualifying round first leg showdown with Maccabi Haifa at Anfield tonight, a match reckoned to be worth more than £10 million (€14.8 million) to the winners as they progress to the lucrative group stages.

And Benitez — who confirmed that he is still chasing Feyenoord striker Dirk Kuyt — made it clear he sees Haifa as serious opponents, a club he faced in the UEFA Cup when boss of Valencia three seasons ago.

Haifa managed a 0-0 draw in the Mestalla before losing the second leg 4-0. Benitez said: “We know we are facing a good team, they have won the title in Israel for the last three years, so they are worthy opponents.

“I know them; when I was at Valencia we played them three seasons ago when we went on to win the UEFA Cup as well as the title. I have friends there who have been able to help us. But we only know a little about them, but they will know us better. I know they have been studying videos and they see English football all the time on TV. We have enough information, if not a lot.

“Winning at home is crucial, but I saw Haifa draw 0-0 at Valencia, and we had to win 4-0 away to go through. We must make sure that we make the best use of Anfield, it is our advantage.

“We know we must do a lot better on our own ground and score goals. It will help for the second leg, wherever it is. I remember how difficult they made it for Valencia and they have new players with more quality.

“And they know if they want it continue in Europe, they must do well at Anfield. We know we must score and do well on our own ground.”

Benitez yesterday spoke of his relief his side do not have to travel to Israel for the return, insisting UEFA have made the right decision.

“It is better to play the game at another venue. We need to think about football and our people, at this moment it is not normal to play in a country with these problems. It is important we are not going to Israel for the sake of the players, and I was concerned about our fans travelling.

“It is a very sad situation and we are sorry for what is happening. But it is better to play in another country.”

Benitez will ask Steven Gerrard to lead Liverpool into the group stages certain he could also captain England under the Steve McClaren regime.

The new England boss spent Monday at Liverpool’s Melwood training ground meeting Benitez, watching training and reacquainting himself with Anfield’s England contingent.

And boss Benitez admits he quizzed McClaren on who would take over from David Beckham as England skipper.

Gerrard is competing with Chelsea’s John Terry for the job, but McClaren’s answer was just a smile, Benitez saying: “Steve (McClaren) and me talked about the future for England, the team, it was a good conversation between two friends about football.

“What was interesting was that he had a clear idea, a plan, and he knows what he wants to do. He is clever and knows how to handle this. I asked him who would be the next England captain, but was told nothing, he just smiled at me.

“But it would be good for Steven Gerrard even if it is more work for him. He thrives on responsibility, he is more mature and understands how important it is to be captain and he must be an example for the rest of the players.”