Business as usual for Benitez

Rafael Benitez is determined to put aside off-field issues at Liverpool to mastermind a third European Cup final appearance in four seasons for the Anfield club.

Ahead of Tuesday´s Champions League semi-final first leg against Chelsea, the Spaniard had to withstand a torrent of questions about co-owner Tom Hicks, who will be in the directors´ box at Anfield, as well as Chelsea´s perceived interest in Steven Gerrard plus the futures of both himself and Blues counterpart Avram Grant.

But Benitez said: “We will not be distracted by things ´off the pitch´. The players are focused on the football and our fans will do the same, they will only be concerned about helping us.”