Wednesday, May 23, 2007

"Kaka is a very good player" Benitez said.


Athens (dpa) - Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez said Tuesday that he will not change his defensive system to counter the threat of AC Milan dangerman Kaka in Wednesday's Champions League final.

"We know that Kaka is a very good player but it is our system to mark in a zone," said the Spaniard at a press conference ahead of the match at the Athens Olympic stadium.

Brazil star Kaka has netted 10 times for Milan in the Italian club's run to this year's final, including three in the Devils' 5-3 aggregate win over Manchester United in the semi-finals.

"We will try and control the ball and the space rather than man- mark," said Benitez, who also revealed that injury worry Bolo Zenden was fit enough to train and that Harry Kewell was "an option." Australian international Kewell is recovering from surgery on his groin and has played just 46 minutes of football this season but Benitez said he still believed the player could put in a full 90 minutes if necessary.

"We will have two or three options, we will see what happens in training," said Benitez.

The Liverpool boss said he didn't believe fans would see a repeat of the amazing Champions League final between the sides two years ago in Istanbul when the Reds came back from 3-0 down at half-time to eventually prevail in a penalty shootout.

"The final two years ago was amazing and for me was the best final in the history of this competition," said Benitez. "I don't think we will see a game like this."

Benitez said instead this time around the game was more likely to be a tight affair with chances at a premium.

"I think it will be a tough game, difficult for both teams. I don't think we will see a lot of goals," he said.

"The team that scores the first goal will have a great advantage."


Clipped from : http://www.bangkokpost.com

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