Benitez frustrated by fixture list
Saturday, 15 August 2009 11:58Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez believes they have been offered a raw deal when it comes to opening-day fixtures.
The Spaniard's side hit the road on Sunday and face Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane.
After finishing runners-up to Manchester United last season, Benitez is hoping to hit the ground running.
However he is dismayed at having to travel to London after a trip to Sunderland in their first game last year. Fernando Torres stunned the home side with an 83rd-minute winner.
Benitez said: 'It would be interesting to see how the fixtures are done because every year we seem to have a difficult away game.
'It will be tough against a good team and a manager (Harry Redknapp) with experience. But we will try to get all three points.'
Liverpool were left cursing their luck in last season's fixture when Tottenham claimed the victory, Roman Pavlyuchenko securing the points in the last minute.
Benitez said: 'It was one of our best games away even though we were defeated. We know we have to be more clinical.'
Benitez has injury concerns ahead of the match and will monitor Steven Gerrard's fitness in the hours leading up to kick-off.
Gerrard sat out England's draw against the Netherlands in midweek after suffering a groin injury.
Central defender Jamie Carragher and Martin Skrtel could both be available after ankle and hamstring problems respectively.
Daniel Agger, Fabio Aurelio and new signing Alberto Aquilani are sidelined through injury.
Former Roma midfielder Aquilani, who has an ankle problem, is delighted to be working with Benitez.
The Italian was drafted into the squad following the departure of Xabi Alonso to Real Madrid.
Aquilani said: 'I appreciated the quality of Rafael's work before the opportunity presented itself to come here. I like the way the team plays.
'I am very proud he chose me. It was a very important decision for me because I was born and brought up in Rome.
'But I did not think twice about coming. It was a good decision for everyone involved.'
Expectations are high at Anfield after last season and Aquilani is relishing the challenge ahead, once fit.
He said: 'I am aware of the pressure the club is under and I will be under.
'But if you want to play for a big club you have to handle the pressure.'
