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Last Updated: Thursday, 29 September 2005, 07:38 GMT 08:38 UK
Benitez unhappy at penalty denial
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez
Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez insisted that his side should have been awarded at least one penalty during their Champions League match against Chelsea.

He said his players were adamant that the ball struck William Gallas' arm in the area during the second half of the 0-0 draw at Anfield.

"The players said to me afterwards 'yes, it was clear'," said Benitez.

"The small details are the difference and maybe we should have had a penalty or even two penalties."

Liverpool's players also appealed for a penalty in the first half, when Sami Hyypia went down under challenge from Didier Drogba in the box.

Despite his disappointment at the failure of the referee to award his side at least one spot-kick, Benitez was very pleased with his side's achievement in becoming the first side to deny Chelsea victory this season.

"I think the supporters will be delighted with the performance of the team," he added.

I think Crouch was man of the match - he kept the ball and gave us time
Rafael Benitez

"We had a good game. We worked really hard, played with a high tempo all the time, pressed high and regained a lot of balls in the air.

"As a manager, you must be happy and I can say congratulations to the players."

And Benitez singled out lanky striker Peter Crouch for particular praise.

"I think he was man of the match - he kept the ball and gave us time," said Benitez.

The Spaniard also said he was encouraged that Chelsea appeared to be playing for a draw at the end of the game.

"That means they have a lot of respect for us, which is important," he stated.

"But we can still improve some things, like winning the second balls close to Crouch.

"It is good to have four points in the group but Chelsea also have four points and Betis now have three."


WATCH AND LISTEN
Interview: Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez



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