Anderlecht v Liverpool: Rafael Benitez has offered Fernando Morientes a timely assurance that his future remains at Anfield as the Spain international attempts to rouse himself from an unimpressive start to his Liverpool career.Brussels, 7.45On TV: Sky Sports 2
Morientes, recently recovered from a hamstring injury, has been a pale shadow of his former self since his £6.3 million move from Real Madrid in January with only five goals in 24 appearances.
His cameo as a substitute against Blackburn Rovers on Saturday saw him miss three presentable chances and his wretched form has prompted speculation in the Spanish media that he might seek solace back in La Liga during the winter window, most likely as part of a deal involving Real Betis's winger Joaquin moving to Liverpool.
Benitez distanced himself from those rumours but spoke with his striker before the team's arrival in Belgium in a bid to repair the 29-year-old's confidence.
So convinced is the Liverpool manager of the player's pedigree and his desire to succeed at his new club that Morientes is likely to start this evening's Champions League tie against Anderlecht.
"Fernando's determined to prove himself in England," stressed Benitez, who is expected to partner his compatriot with Djibril Cisse tonight.
"I don't know why people keep talking about Joaquin - we've never talked about him, and we've certainly never talked about Morientes or Cisse (going the other way). But I read the things in the Spanish press and I talked to Nando and said to him: 'Forget about all that.' I know he wants to make a success of it over here. That is clear.
"I think there was a rustiness there (last Saturday). He's been working hard with (assistant manager) Paco Ayesteran to improve his physical condition, but you need time out on the pitch to bring that match competitiveness back to your game. He will score goals for us. He understands the game better here now, but we still need to understand his game better and he needs to learn about his team-mates."
Opportunities should present themselves tonight. Anderlecht may have improved in the competition this term - they were only narrowly beaten by Chelsea and Betis - but they have lost a record nine Champions League games in succession and would be in a virtually hopeless position should they lose a 10th this evening. The absence of defender, Vincent Kompany, through injury has further undermined their prospects.
Steven Gerrard's absence with a shin injury has hot helped Liverpool's cause, though they still expect to build upon an encouraging start to their defence of the European Cup tonight.
Guardian Service
