Benitez says Ferguson is nervous

Liverpool Rafael Benitez continued his verbal joust with Sir Alex Ferguson saying the Manchester United boss was "nervous" about Liverpool's title bid.

"Sir Alex is talking again about Liverpool, I don't mind, but he's maybe showing he's nervous," said Benitez after the 4-0 win over Blackburn.

"They will be under pressure now. It depends on Manchester United but we are doing our side of the job," he added.

"After what happened against Chelsea, that was the perfect response."

During the midweek defeat to Chelsea in the Champions League, Liverpool had proved vulnerable to set pieces, but there was little sign of that weakness as Blackburn opted to play Christopher Samba in attack.

"We needed a good performance and to score goals; we didn't concede against a good team in the air, so that is very positive," said Benitez.

"We were in control from the beginning so it was just a question of time. A matter of not making mistakes and waiting for it come.

"My only concern was that we did not score more. Goal difference will be very important if this title race goes to the wire."

Benitez said the result had been timely with the 20-year anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster, in which 96 Liverpool fans died at an FA Cup semi-final against Nottingham Forest, due on Wednesday.

"We talked about Hillsborough and how this week would be really important for our fans so it was pleasing to give a good performance for the fans and the families affected.

"It is very good and very positive for the confidence of the players."

"This is for the fans and the victims. It is a special gift for them"
Fernando Torres

Two-goal hero Fernando Torres dedicated both of his strikes to the victims of the tragedy.

"This is for the fans and the victims. It is a special gift for them," he said.

"We have to keep playing like this, try to win and if Manchester United can lose a couple of games maybe we can finish top."

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Benitez secured the victory despite resting talismanic captain Steven Gerrard, a gamble the boss was pleased had paid off.

"I'm pleased we scored four goals and we were able to rest Gerrard. Clearly Gerrard is key for us but it proves we have other good players in the squad."

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