Rafa: rotation is working now

After widespread criticism earlier in the season for squad rotation, Rafa Benitez feels that his reliance on the system is now reaping the rewards as Liverpool have managed to draw 1-1 with Arsenal twice in a row and await the visit of the Gunners in the Champions League second leg.

"I have always said that when Sir Alex Ferguson rests players at Manchester United he is changing his team, yet when I do it I am rotating," Benitez said.

"I explained earlier in the season that if a team wants to win trophies then it is important for a manager to use all his squad. I wanted us to be alive in all the competitions.

"We can only win the Champions League now, but we have a good chance because the players have all had a rest.

"I have used the same group of players now and our form has been good. There is some tiredness but physically we can manage.

"When we played Arsenal in the Champions League we got the result because the players were able to work at their peak until the last minute."