Benitez remains optimistic

Last Updated : 14-Aug-2004 by
"I am happy with the first half. We controlled the game, kept the ball and there were a lot of short passes," he said after the 1-1 draw.

"In the second half they were tired. We didn't control the ball, there were a lot of long passes and second balls were difficult for us.

"But it is the end of the first match and it is always difficult when a new manager arrives.

"We will try to balance the team first and then see if we need to bring in another striker."

Click here to talk about the game