Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez claims Sir Alex
Ferguson is "nervous" because he can see the Spaniard's Reds are
better than Manchester United.
Benitez has been involved in a tit-for-tattle battle with
his Old Trafford rival since the turn of the year as the pair scrap
for the Premier League title.
Benitez, provoked by a prod from Ferguson regarding an ability
to handle pressure, sparked the mind games in January with his
infamously astonishing assessment of his counterpart's alleged
influence over referees and the fixture list.
On Monday, Liverpool assistant manager Sammy Lee claimed the
club were not interested in exchanging words with United, and
Benitez insists he is not involved in a verbal conflict with
Ferguson.
But the Spaniard has again spoken of his top-flight foe, telling
Madrid-based paper ABC: "I'm not having a battle of words with Alex
Ferguson.
"But I believe that he can see that we are the better side, and
that we are very close to United.
"He has been accustomed to playing these types of mind games for
many years.
"Nobody has ever said anything against him, or stood up to him.
It seems like he has a licence to do these sorts of things.
"I try not to talk too much. But all I do when I speak is to
defend my own team.
"I did not say that he seems frightened. I said that he looks
nervous, as he can see that we are very close to his team."
Benitez, who saw his side drop points in Tuesday's 4-4 draw with
Arsenal, is also adamant his side will not throw in the towel in
their bid to secure a first league title in 19 years, despite
trailing United by three points having played a game more.
He added: "It is essential for us to try to keep the pressure on
United. We must not slacken off, and if we keep going that will
make them feel under pressure.
"They have an advantage and if they don't slip up there is
nothing we can do. But we must stay as close to them as possible in
case they slip up.
"In any case, we will go after the title as long as it is still
a possibility for us."
