France’s battered reputation could help Liverpool
November 22nd, 2009 - 3:00 pm ICT by ANI ( Leave a comment )
London, Nov.22 (ANI): Coach Rafa Benitez believes France’s battered reputation could help Liverpool complete another Euro miracle.
The Reds need Lyon to go from ‘cheats’ to emblems of fair play against Fiorentina on Tuesday - even though the French club have already qualified for the Champions League group stage, News of The World reports.
Four of Lyon’s players were part of the French squad whose integrity was hit by Thierry Henry’s handball in the World Cup play-off win over Republic of Ireland.
Benitez said: “I don’t know if the Henry incident will affect Lyon but it could be good for us. It will be difficult for them but they have quality and players who want to prove something. If they want to show everyone in the world they are good professionals and want to win every game, it would be good.
“It could be something that works out positively for Liverpool. Their coach said they would try to win. He is a professional. I know Lyon have a good group of professionals and a good manager,” he added.
Meanwhile, Benitez has been assured his immediate Liverpool future will not be threatened by midweek events in Italy or Hungary. (ANI)
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- Kop back Rafa after Euro exit - Nov 25, 2009
- World brands French footballer Henry a cheat - Nov 20, 2009
- 'Benitez-built weak and short on talent Liverpool squad' - Apr 06, 2011
- Wenger hopes Henry's presence can inspire Gunners - Nov 18, 2011
- Liverpool's progression more important than winning trophies: Benitez - Nov 01, 2009
- Tough task for Liverpool to keep Torres - May 04, 2010
- France seek World Cup redemption after Henry handball - Jun 10, 2010
- Rafa says Torres as valuable as Rooney - Mar 20, 2010
- `Inter-Milan has not sacked me,' says coach Benitez - Dec 21, 2010
- Scolari tells French they deserve to go out - Jun 22, 2010
- Parreira sees some good coming out of Henry handball - Dec 05, 2009
- Liverpool back in Champions League final mix with win against Tottenham - Jan 21, 2010
- Surgery could keep injured Torres out of action for two months - Nov 03, 2009
Tags: benitez, champions league group, cheats, emblems, fair play, fiorentina, french club, french squad, group stage, handball, liverpool, lyon, midweek events, miracle, news of the world, reds, republic of ireland, stage news, thierry henry, world cup
