RAFA ON MOMO, TRAINING AND SIGNINGS Liverpoolfc.tv 29 June 2007 Rafael Benitez speaks exclusively to Liverpoolfc.tv about Momo Sissoko's new contract, the return to pre-season training and his plans to strengthen the squad. Rafa, how pleased are you that Momo has committed his future to the club for another four years? "I think it's very good news – for myself, for the team and for the supporters. It's good that we will be able to see the energy of Momo all around the pitch for a few more years. It's a major positive for us." Would you say his best years are still to come? "Yes I'd say so. I think he enjoyed a really good first season but last year he suffered some injuries. We have a lot of confidence in him though and I'm sure we'll see the real Momo again now that he's free from injury. He's a player with a lot of energy. For his fellow midfielders and the rest of the team he's really important." Momo is the fifth player to have extended his contract this summer. You must be really pleased with this... "Yes, the idea was to renew the contracts of the players who form the spine of the team and now we are really happy with the situation. How was the first day back in training? "It was a good day. Obviously some of the senior players are still away, either with their national team or on holiday, but the atmosphere among the squad was good and everyone did okay." Are you excited about the new season? "Of course, you must always be excited at the start of a new season. You must also have confidence in your team and hopefully we will soon bring in the new players that we want to make the squad better. Do you find that a lot of your work at this time of the year is conducted via the telephone in your office? "A lot of time is spent in the office but it's been good to get back out on the training pitch this week and enjoy a run-out with the players." Did you manage to have much of a break this summer and do you feel refreshed? "We had a small break, but always with the phone at my side! That's okay though if it means we are ready for the next season." What's next on your agenda – some new signings? "Yes, that is the idea. We are working on this all the time. As I've already said, the spine of the team is in place and now we just need to add to that."
What a mastermind our Rafa is, its the Goatee. Facial hair has a direct correlation to Championship success!!!