Benitez calls for fan focus
22 Apr 2008 - 07:43:33
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has urged fans to focus their support on the players in their Champions League meeting with Chelsea amid rumours that George Gillett will use the occasion to move closer to selling his stake in the club.
Co-owner Gillett has reportedly invited officials from Dubai International Capital to be his guests at Anfield on Tuesday for the semi-final first leg tie.
Gillett, who is keen to sell his share of the club, will not be in attendance himself due to illness, but his son, Foster, will meet officials from the organisation that has been linked with a takeover for the past 18 months.
Gillett's fellow co-owner, Tom Hicks, is not expected to be present, but Benitez has called on fans to forget the ongoing boardroom wrangle between the unpopular American pair and focus their attention on the pitch.
"The difference will be key players in key moments, but our fans can score the first goal," said the Spaniard.
"I believe that from the very start we will have the supporters right behind us.
"I am pleased with our form at home, but Chelsea are excellent. We must do our job, be patient and concentrate. We have to control the game and not concede possession.
"Our fans are clever, they know that it will be difficult at Stamford Bridge (in the second leg) so they will know how much they must be behind us here."