Rafa's pre-Unirea chat

Rafael Benitez took five minutes to chat with radio journalists about tonight's Europa League clash with Unirea Urziceni. Here's what he had to say…

On Torres' return versus Man City...

After the game, some journalists asked me why I had said he wouldn't be in the squad against City, but he did really well in training on Friday morning and we thought he could be a boost for the rest of team. It was good news - to see him on the bench was really important. We didn't want to push him, but it was important for us because he is a threat for defenders and is good for the rest of the team.

On building up Torres' match fitness...

When you have a knee injury, you need some time for it to be clear in your mind that everything is fine, but Torres was tackling and challenging against City and was fine. Now it is just a question of match fitness and it will be the same with Glen Johnson. It will take time - they will play some games, take part in more training sessions and gain more confidence.

On whether a fit Torres means more goals...

If he is fully fit, I think so. He is always very dangerous, not just because he can score goals, but also what he means for the team and the opposition defenders. Everybody could see the other day he is not ready - he is the first one to admit that. If we have to use him, then it is better to do so little by little and I am sure he will score goals.

On taking a one-goal lead to Romania...

It's true we could have scored two or three more goals in the first leg. When you cannot change things, this score is not bad because normally they are strong at home, but don't score too many goals. If they push and attack, and I think they have to, then we will have more space and can be more dangerous on the counter-attack. We didn't have too much space in the first leg, and it was a question of sustaining our attack. Now maybe we can manage in a different way and if they take more risks, maybe we can score.

On a difficult first leg against Unirea...

We had some clear chances and their 'keeper was really good with one or two very good saves. When you cannot score, a clean sheet in Europe is very important. Now we have to be strong away, try to score and create a situation that is very difficult for them because they will have to take more risks. Normally, they are not an attacking team. They won the league last year by working very hard, being well organised and defending well. If they have to attack, I think we will maybe have more space and more options to score.

On what the Europa League means to Liverpool...

After playing in the Champions League for five years in a row, it is not the same and we know that - but it is still an important competition with important games. If you progress in the competition, you will see big sides. Liverpool know from experience what it means to win the UEFA Cup, as do I with Valencia. Always to have an opportunity to win trophies is important, but you know my idea - we have to win this leg, see what happens and take it one step at a time. This is an opportunity to win silverware and we will try to do it.

On Pepe Reina's excellent form this season...

It is really important for a 'keeper to keep a clean sheet because they cannot score goals, so it is important he does his job. I was talking with him about this the other day and he knows, and the message was very clear, that we have to improve in attack because we are stronger in defence. We have to keep the team performing well in defence and keeping clean sheets, and after we will see the quality of our players in attack and we will create chances. It is very clear Pepe is a key player for us. He won the Golden Golves award three years in a row, and that is not easy. He has also broke some of Ray Clemence's records here. He is a fantastic player and hopefully will continue to be so in the future, and that will mean the team is strong in defence.

On turning defence into attack...

The main thing is to give confidence to the team. We were conceding too many goals, silly goals. Now we know we are stronger and you can see the team approach games confident we will not lose. Johnson, Torres and Yossi are players with quality who can change our attack, so that is our idea. I am sure if you see Torres, Yossi or Johnson playing well, Gerrard, Lucas and Mascherano will play better. I think the team will improve in attack.

On the rare scenario of having everyone fit...

If Johnson is available and we don't have any other problems, it will be really good. You know my idea - too many games and too many injuries for all the top sides, especially in winter, so that is something that someone has to analyse, but at this moment we have good news. It brings more problems for me, but is better for the team.

Video: Rafa's pre-Unirea press call>>