RAFA: WHY I SAT DURING PENALTIES

Jimmy Rice 04 May 2007 Rafa Benitez has explained his reasons for sitting cross-legged during Tuesday's penalty shoot-out.

The Spaniard's unusual pose caused quite a stir after the semi-final victory against Chelsea. However, the Reds boss today told liverpoolfc.tv that he decided to sit simply so the supporters could see. "The Chelsea players were standing up in front of the bench, but the supporters were then asking them to sit," said Benitez. "We went to one side, but again the supporters couldn't see, so we sat down and watched. We were thinking about our people. "It's true I was really calm because I had a lot of confidence in Pepe. He is very good at penalties. Also, the players I selected had been practising. They'd played against Pepe and Jerzy in almost every training session. I had a lot of confidence." Meanwhile, Benitez has revealed he didn't celebrate with the players after reaching his second Champions League final in three seasons – because he feared a soaking! "I was talking with the press. I had about 15 TV interviews and the press conference. After I'd finished they had started celebrating, and I've read some things about the owners going in. But I know from experience that it's better to stay far from the players! "Then I went with the new owners and some staff to relax – not with the players because that's always a risk! "You are with your family and your people. We went to a hotel for a drink, but talking about football. I had a little bit of water and a little champagne. "We were really happy but now we must finish the job."