Reds won’t take minnows lightly, says boss Benitez
LIVERPOOL boss Rafael Benitez has warned his troops against complacency as the Reds open their Champions League campaign at Anfield tonight.
Visitors Debreceni are the first Hungarian side to qualify for the Champions League for 14 years and are looking to mark the occasion with a shock victory over the five-time champions.
Rafael Benitez’s men are notoriously slow starters in the Champions League, previously forced into high-pressure clashes against Olympiacos and Marseilles to qualify for the knockout stages. But while the Spaniard is desperate to hit the ground running with a comfortable win, he insists he won’t be underestimating the Hungarian champions.
Asked what threat they pose, Benitez said: “It’s difficult to say but they have won eight games in a row. They’re doing well, have some confidence and play good counter attack. They have some pace and players with ability.
“Everyone is saying we are at Anfield, we are favourites and have to win, but you never know in these games. I read some interviews with their players and they are really, really excited about coming here and want to play well.
“So, we are favourites but we have to prove this on the pitch.”
Benitez could welcome back Javier Mascherano, who picked up an injury playing for Argentina last week.