"The key to them is Roman Abramovich. In the past they have built a fantastic team," said Benitez ahead of tomorrow's Champions League semi. "They play more or less the same. They've played well this season, like they did last season. The have been in the Carling Cup Final, they are going for the title and they are in the Champions League semi-final.

"The only difference is in the press conferences," he added with a grin - an impish reference to Jose Mourinho's fondness for stirring rivalries through the media.

"In some games the managers are important," said Benitez. "But the best thing for a manager to do is not create any mess, so the players can just play."

Asked whether he missed the verbal jousting with Mourinho, he shook his head and said: "Maybe you do, but not me. I have enough things to do in Liverpool now."