Kuyt: This team can handle pressure

Dirk Kuyt believes Liverpool will thrive on the pressure of trying to secure qualification from a tough Champions League Group E when the Reds take on Lyon tonight.

Rafa Benitez's side have collected three points from their opening three fixtures, while Lyon boast a 100 per cent record following their win at Anfield last month.
 
However, Kuyt insists there is a steely determination amongst the Liverpool squad to claim an important victory at the Stade Gerland.
 
"If you play for Liverpool there is always pressure and you always have to win your games," the Dutch forward told reporters at a pre-match press conference in France.
 
"There is more pressure now than normally, but if you want to play at the top you have to cope with this pressure.
 
"It's very good to play games with high pressure because if you do well it gives you a major boost.
 
"I am looking forward to the game. I know there is a lot of pressure, but that is what it is all about if you're a football player.
 
"We have to try and win this game and go from there. We have a really strong belief we can do it."
 
A 2-0 triumph over Manchester United is the only victory Liverpool have savoured in recent weeks - and Kuyt has called on his teammates to produce a similar performance in the South of France.
 
"I think this is the time that we as players, and as a team, have to stick together and work hard," he said.
 
"We showed that against Manchester United, and unfortunately it didn't happen against Fulham, but we are confident we can give the same level of performance as against United and get a good result against Lyon."
 
Kuyt believes Liverpool can draw confidence from past experiences in the Champions League as they prepare to lock horns with Les Gones.
 
He said: "We've been in the same situation two years ago when we made a very bad start in the Champions League, but still qualified.
 
"We can use it as inspiration. We've done very well in France in the past and that gives us confidence.
 
"Lyon are a very good team and we give respect to them, but we need the three points and will give everything to get them.
 
"We have the belief and confidence we can get a good result."
 
Meanwhile, the 29-year-old insists the Reds have a strong enough squad to cope in the absence of the likes of Steven Gerrard, Martin Skrtel, Fabio Aurelio and Glen Johnson.
 
He added: "I think we still have a very good team with very good players.
 
"It is always difficult when you miss top quality players, but you have to do it with the players you have. We believe we are good enough as a team to beat Lyon."