LIVERPOOL, England (AFP) - Rafael Benitez has admitted it is easier to find success as a manager with Liverpool in the Champions League than in the Premier League.
Benitez's record in Europe's elite club competition stands comparison with any of his peers after leading Liverpool to two finals in three years and winning the trophy in 2005.
The Spaniard inspired another impressive European result from his side on Tuesday as the Reds beat Italian champions Inter Milan 2-0 at Anfield.
But Liverpool have found it impossible to replicate that form on the domestic stage. Once again they are already out of the title race, with only fourth place left to fight for.
Benitez believes the slower pace of Champions League matches suits his tactical style more than the English game's frentic tempo.
"In Europe you can approach a game tactically in a different way. In England it is a different style of football and more difficult for the manager to influence what goes on," Benitez said.
"It is not as simple to influence the game with tactics in England the way it is elsewhere in Europe."
If Liverpool emerge unscathed from their trip to the San Siro next month, Liverpool fans will start dreaming of a repeat of their winning run in the competition three years ago, which culminated in their famous comeback against AC Milan in the final.
Even the usually low-key Benitez was happy to entertain the possibility of emulating that team's heroics.
"There is, I suppose, the prospect of history repeating itself with us going for a European final when we are not in the title race (as in 2005)," Benitez said.
"But I would prefer not to think that far ahead, I always say 'one game at a time' and never has that phrase been more appropriate.
"I know what people were saying (about me). But as a professional you must be ready for every game, to prepare for every game the best you can and with the same ideas.
"Maybe the 'dressing room' felt the need to prove people wrong. But their attitude was no different really to plenty of other games."
