Rafael Benitez will be greeted with a massive show of support from Liverpool fans as he bids to keep the club in the Champions League at Anfield. The Reds boss has called a halt to his row with club owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett over transfer policy ahead of the Group A match with Porto. Some reports suggest 5,000 fans will stage a rally, marching to Anfield in protest from a nearby pub. Benitez said: "We need the three points and a win. This is a must-win game."
Benitez has launched two public verbal assaults on his bosses, who have shown reluctance to release funds for him to spend in the January transfer window. But he refused to be dragged into further acrimony so close to Wednesday night's vital match against the runaway Portuguese league leaders. Fans plan to chant his name non-stop, and Benitez will be more than happy for that image to be carried across the Atlantic.
He has also received support from players including Steven Gerrard and Jose Reina, and does not believe he needs to do much to motivate them on Wednesday. Demonstrations outside the Shankly Gates will be organised by a group named Reclaim the Kop. Their spokesman, John Mackin, told The Daily Telgraph: "Liverpool Football Club exists not to make money. "It exists to win trophies and be a source of pride for its supporters. "It serves no other purpose. Rafa is far and away the most important figure at Anfield, bar none." Even if Liverpool beat Porto they must also win in Marseille on 11 December to reach the last 16. Benitez said: "We know what must be done, we must approach the game with confidence and the right mentality. "We are in good form so we must continue to play in that manner." He has no new injury problems, with Daniel Agger, Xabi Alonso and Jermaine Pennant still long term absentees.
Source: BBC Sport
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