RAFA: FORGET CHELSEA, LET'S QUALIFY AGAIN

Paul Eaton 13 April 2007 Rafael Benitez has urged his players to secure Champions League qualification for next season before continuing their pursuit of European glory this year.

Liverpool face Chelsea in this season's semi-final but with three Premiership matches to play before the first leg at Stamford Bridge, the boss is demanding total focus on the league programme. "I was pleased with the players last weekend at Reading because they showed they could focus on the Premiership and put the European games to the back of their minds. The message to them this weekend is exactly the same," he said. "We know people are talking about the Chelsea games but for us it's important to concentrate on the league at this moment. We have three games to play before the Champions League and if we can win them our situation in the table will be a lot more comfortable. I think two wins between now and the end of the season could be enough and we want to get them as quickly as possible." The Reds visit Eastlands tomorrow to face a Manchester City side buoyed by recent victories away from home which have taken them clear of the relegation battle at the foot of the table. "It will be another hard game for us because they have done well of late," added Benitez. "They've had some problems at home but they're still a good side." Craig Bellamy misses out for the Reds after picking up a knee injury in midweek while Robbie Fowler is also sidelined. Jamie Carragher, Steven Gerrard and Steve Finnan are all poised for recalls after being rested for the tie with PSV. Dirk Kuyt is available again after serving a European ban in midweek