Paul Eaton 18 March 2005

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez reflected on today's Champions League pairing with Juventus and admitted: "It's a tough draw."
The Reds will take on the Italian giants in the last eight of the competition following today's draw in Nyon, with the first leg being played at Anfield on April 5 or 6.

Benitez told Liverpoolfc.tv: "Italian teams are always tough to play against and you always know you will be in for a difficult game.

"They beat Real Madrid in the last game with a late goal in extra time so we know they will be difficult opponents for us. But we will be difficult opponents for them as well.

"They haven't conceded many goals in the competition this season so that means they have a good defence, but they also have good forwards. They are very strong.

"We're at home in the first leg and our idea will be to be careful and not to concede any goals if possible. Then we will see what we can do. This is the Champions League and over two legs anything is possible.

"It is a tough draw but I'm confident we can do well in the tie."

And if Liverpool overcome the challenge of Juventus then they will progress to a semi-final meeting with either Chelsea or Bayern Munich.

"Again, the semi-final will be difficult if we get there," added Benitez. "Bayern are doing well in the German League and of course we know all about Chelsea.

"But for now all we are thinking about in the Champions League is the Juventus game."

http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N148190050318-1252.htm