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UEFA Champions League: Liverpool stronger than 2004/5, says Benitez [Tue Sep 13th, 2005]
Seville, Spain (Reuters) - Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez believes he has a stronger squad than the one that won the UEFA Champions League last season, but says reaching the final again has not even entered his head.
"In my opinion we have a better team and a better squad," the Spaniard told a new conference in Sevilla on the eve of his side's Group G opener against Real Betis.
"We still have some problems in some areas, but we have to manage the situation until January."
Liverpool's new recruits include Spanish goalkeeper Pepe Reina, former Valencia midfielder Momo Sissoko, Dutch midfielder Boudewijn Zenden and striker Peter Crouch.
But despite his confidence in his squad, Benitez said he has given no consideration to the idea of repeating last season's victory against AC Milan in the final in Istanbul.
"I don't want to think about winning the Champions League again, or the pressure that comes with being champions," he said. "All I want to do is concentrate on the next game against Betis.
"We know it is going to be a difficult game, they have good players and even though they have some injury problems they have a good enough squad that other players can come in and do a job."
Champions League debutants Betis are without left back Luis Fernandez and influential Brazilian forward Edu, while inspirational Spanish winger Joaquin is doubtful after picking up a minor knee injury in Saturday's 1-0 win over Osasuna.
Liverpool will be without Spanish striker Fernando Morientes, who tore a thigh muscle in training ahead of Spain's World Cup qualifier against Serbia & Montenegro last week.
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