Liverpool

Rafael Benitez explains how to beat Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool

By Ben Knapton, Senior Reporter | 19 February 2020

Rafael Benitez explains how to beat Liverpool

Former Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez believes there is a way to overcome Jurgen Klopp's outfit, who look set to secure their first ever Premier League title.

Rafael Benitez has outlined how teams can defeat Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool side, despite failing to do so himself on six occasions.

The Reds have taken a whopping 76 of a possible 78 points on offer this season and look almost certain to secure their first ever Premier League title.

However, Benitez, who failed to win any of his six encounters with Klopp with Newcastle United, believes there is a way to overcome the current European champions.

Speaking to The Athletic, Benitez said: "When our Newcastle United team played Liverpool, our quick players weren't faster than theirs were, so in the end the only way to get something from the game is to be really solid. The problem is that you cannot keep this solidity up forever if they are on top of you all the time.

"Defending for 90 minutes is impossible, so you have to try to create something on the counter-attack, to be a threat, to give them something to be more worried about.

"You have to try and get away from their pressing. To beat Liverpool or City you need speed and skill in the wide areas up front; if not, it just comes down to passing the ball — you will not be better than them at that, and they will usually be faster and stronger than you."

The former Liverpool manager, who is now in charge at Chinese side Dalian Professional, won one Champions League and one FA Cup during his time at Anfield.