Benitez wants to make history in Fiorentina

RAFA BENITEZ has urged his Liverpool players to make history in tonight¿s Champions League showdown with Fiorentina.

The Italians have never lost at home to English opposition with Everton, Manchester United and Arsenal having all failed to score at the Stadio Artemio Franchi.
 
However, the manager insists he won't rein in his high-scoring side and is going all out for victory to ensure the Reds take control of Group E.
 
"We know Fiorentina are strong at home and there will be a big atmosphere here," he said.
 
"They are well organised and play good football. They have players in attack with quality and pace.
 
"They are a top side and we know they will be dangerous.
 
"But we are scoring a lot of goals and want to continue in this way.
 
"We will be positive and if we can win this second game it will be fantastic.
 
"It's always really important to start well in this competition.
 
"We don't want to be in the position we were in two years ago when we slipped up and then had to fight hard in every single group game."
 
Liverpool will have to do without Javier Mascherano after the Argentinean suffered a hamstring injury in training.
 
As a result Steven Gerrard is set to continue in the centre of midfield alongside Lucas Leiva, with Dirk Kuyt playing just behind Fernando Torres.
 
"When Javier was shooting he felt something in his hamstring," Benitez said.
 
"I took him to see the doctor who said he couldn't play. It's only a small problem and he could be out for just two or three days.
 
"To lose a player like Javier isn't good but we will try to find solutions.
 
"We can manage with Stevie in there. We are happy with Lucas and Stevie and we also have other options we could look at."
 
Benitez is hoping Torres, who has netted five goals in the Reds' last two games, will carry where he left off against Hull on Saturday.
 
"Fernando is on fire at the moment but the Champions League is a different competition to the Premier League," he said.
 
"I'm hoping he will be one of our key players tonight.
 
"He is scoring goals and has a lot of confidence but also the team is creating more chances.
 
"Some people see the negatives and say we have conceded too many this season but we are not really worried.
 
"When you are attacking more you are going to have more problems in defence.
 
"The priority is scoring goals and winning games. If we are able to keep a clean sheet then it's even better."

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