Benitez calls for the right ‘attitude’

LIVERPOOL manager Rafael Benitez has called for his side to show “attitude” against Reading in their FA Cup third-round replay at Anfield tonight.

The Spaniard has been on the end of a couple of cup upsets to lower-placed opposition: Burnley in 2005 – which came during his first season in charge – and Barnsley two years ago.

With the FA Cup representing Liverpool’s best chance of silverware this season, although they have yet to launch their Europa League bid, Benitez is keen not to allow their visitors from the Championship a glimmer of hope.

“We have to approach the game thinking about winning and not giving them any chances or any confidence that they can do something,” said the Liverpool boss.

“In the Premier League you have to win but if you can’t you say ‘unlucky’. But in the cup you have to win.

“The attitude is more important against teams from a lower division. After that you know you have some quality, but attitude is the key.

“I remember (against Barnsley) and we were not doing badly. We had some chances and then conceded in the last minute.

“It was unlucky but it’s the same situation now because it’s a cup competition – you have to win and can’t make any mistakes.

“We know the FA Cup is a massive competition, so we want to progress and go forward as much as we can,” he said.

“Our priority now is one game at a time, so the first one is the most important.

“The FA Cup is a very good option for us to win something this year, so we have to approach the game thinking about winning.

“It would be very special to get to Wembley. We’ve been to Cardiff, but now we have to think about winning the first game.”

Benitez is still without wingers Albert Riera, Nabil El Zhar and defender Martin Kelly and the suspended midfielder Javier Mascherano.