samuel98

RAFA'S REACTION TO CHAMPIONS LEAGUE DRAW Mark Platt, in Toronto 30 July 2004 Rafael Benitez does not expect an easy ride against Grazer AK in the third qualifying round of the Champions League but he's confident Liverpool have what it takes to overcome this first hurdle. Rafael Benitez does not expect an easy ride against Grazer AK in the third qualifying round of the Champions League but he's confident Liverpool have what it takes to overcome this first hurdle. Benitez admits he's relatively pleased with today's Champions League draw, which pits the Reds against last season's Austrian league and cup winners. But he's taking nothing for granted against the team that play in the Arnold Schwarzenegger Stadium and he insits it won't be easy. Speaking exclusively to Liverpoolfc.tv in Toronto, Benitez gave this reation to news of the draw: "Games like this are always difficult early in the season because you tend to find that sides such as Graz have been training longer than us. They have been in pre-season for three weeks more and it will not be easy. "I know Graz won the double in Austria last season and that proves to me that they are a good team. They have a lot of experience and are improving with each year. Last season they held Ajax to a draw before losing in extra time. "Their side is packed full of international players and they have the top scorer in the Austrian league. We will give them our utmost respect. "It is going to be difficult but we know what to expect and I'm confident we can get through. All the matches we play are important but a qualifying tie to get into the Champions League is especially important for us at this stage of the season."