New Delhi: The Reds boss believes that considering the UEFA Champions League draw, Manchester United are the favourites.
Much has been made about Chelsea and Liverpool's re-acquaintance in the Champions League - their fifth successive meeting in continental competition - but Reds boss Rafael Benitez was keen to stress that the draw could have been kinder to them.
The Spaniard also offered clarity over his new long-term Liverpool contract.
"It will be difficult for both sides," Benitez said at a press conference today. "We've played each other so many times, sometimes its advantageous, sometimes its not.
"Villarreal, and FC Porto are good sides, but to draw against a team like Chelsea is tough," he warned. "Clearly Manchester United are favourites."
Regarding the news that UEFA are set to acquiesce to Liverpool's request of moving a Champions League tie so that it will not lie on their 20th anniversary commemorations, Benitez added, "We were trying to avoid the Hillsborough date for what it means for the club and the fans, but we are pleased with the decision."
He also clarified the complexities over his new contract, "I think every press conference for the past three months I have answered a question about this. There were uncertainties to sort out, those were the key, we had to clarify these.
"I am pleased with the answer. I have the same control that I had before with regard to transfers," he said.
Benitez also refuted claims that he was after Aaron Lennon, "I can guarantee we are not talking this morning about any players. Just our next game against Aston Villa."
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