Rafa set for Anfield revolution
Rafa Benitez has already started planning for next season and the
early indications are that an overhaul of his playing staff could
be made in the aftermath of Wednesday's UEFA Champions League final
against Milan.
Despite having reached the European Cup final for the second time
in only three years, Liverpool have failed to mount a serious bid
for the Premiership during Benitez's tenure and it is a lack of
domestic success the Spanish tactician is keen to remedy.
Following their Champions League victory over Milan in 2005,
Benitez was ruthless in deeming a number of his squad surplus to
requirements and again, he has intimated changes could be
forthcoming in the summer.
Armed with a handsome transfer chest courtesy of backing from
American owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks, Benitez has already
earmarked several new faces as he bids to create a side capable of
pushing for the Premiership.
"We know we can improve and we will do by bringing in new players
with character, quality and experience. We must keep going
forward," said Benitez.
"I feel we are going in the right direction but this final is just
a stopping point on the way to where we want to be.
"A second Champions League final in three seasons shows what can be
done but we want to achieve even more. This is going to be an
important summer because we want to maintain our progress and keep
going forward next season.
"Another European Cup would be very welcome but the aim is not just
to win this trophy, it is to be stronger all round, so we can make
a better challenge for the Premiership next season."
Liverpool finished the domestic season 21 points behind Manchester
United but confident everything is geared for success at Anfield,
Benitez is predicting a bright future for all those involved on
Merseyside.
The former Valencia chief is well aware he will have absolute
financial backing in the pre-season and it will likely be a busy
summer of arrivals and departures at Anfield.
"I am happy with my players but we need to improve to challenge in
the Premiership," he added.
"We want to achieve even more. It is important not to think that by
getting to the final we have done everything, because we have the
potential to be one of the biggest clubs in Europe in every
way.
"We are already one of the most famous names in football, but we
have the chance to take advantage of our position - it will be an
important summer.
"The new owners have already seen what is possible here. Every time
we have spoken, it has been positive, and we will talk again after
the final."