BENITEZ: THIS WAS THE PERFECT RESPONSE

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BENITEZ: THIS WAS THE PERFECT RESPONSE Jimmy Rice 11 April 2009



Rafa Benitez labelled his side's 4-0 thrashing of Blackburn 'the perfect response' to their midweek defeat to Chelsea.

The whole country was waiting to see if Liverpool could pick themselves up from their Champions League disappointment - and they responded in style thanks to goals from Fernando Torres (2), Daniel Agger and David Ngog.

Benitez told his post-match press conference:

"To play a good game, score goals and not concede - it was the perfect response by the players. "It could have been even better because we had really clear chances, but I'm really pleased. "You always need your key players and Fernando was very important here - the first goals opened the game."

The result elevated Liverpool above Manchester United ahead of their game in Sunderland. Benitez added:

"Clearly they are under pressure. Alex Ferguson is always talking, which shows they are under pressure. I know he's nervous, so it's good."

Torres' second goal came from a set piece. Asked if the failure of Blackburn's man marking was the ideal riposte to critics of zonal defending, Benitez added:

"The statistics can be presented in many ways but I think they (Blackburn) have conceded 10 from set pieces with man to man. For us, it (zonal marking) has been good for the last five years."

Benitez admitted his delight after his side added two late goals to increase Liverpool's superior goal difference. "Hopefully it will be vital," he said. "We were trying to score goals because we know anything can happen."

Liverpool did not have to use skipper Steven Gerrard, who was named on the bench after his adductor injury.

On whether he will be fit for Tuesday's trip to Stamford Bridge, Benitez added: "The risk was there but he's got more chances now. The physio will work with him, so hopefully he'll be there."

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