Rafa: Let's keep City focus

Rafael Benitez has urged his players to keep calm and stake a claim for a top four place by beating Manchester City at Eastlands on Sunday.

The Reds go into this game one point behind City and Benitez is hoping his side's big game experience can count against Roberto Mancini's team.

Liverpool have suffered just one defeat from their last eight top-flight games with six clean sheets kept in the process. It's the type of form that Benitez feels with give his side the momentum they need to finish the season strongly.

"We have managed the pressure well," said Benitez.

"But now Tottenham, Villa, City and ourselves are in a position where we have to keep going until the end. Maybe one game can be a big difference, so it's important to manage the pressure and maybe our experience can help.

"When teams are close in the table and there isn't a big difference on the pitch, one small detail can change anything.

"Our experience of having been there already could be important. It depends on the players and if they can manage things well.

"There are still plenty of games to go, so we need to keep calm and do our job.

"In every single game, you have to do the right thing. If you are nervous you will make mistakes. The message is very clear. We have to have a plan and everybody needs to know what to do. But it depends on the players and if they are nervous or not.

"The most important thing for us is not to concentrate on them, but on us."

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