He said, "Every year you think about the differences you can make to the team to improve, and we did this after the final in Athens last season. We are a different Liverpool in some ways because the team is better than before. I was pleased with the team that took us to the final, but I'm more pleased now because of the players we can use."
And Benitez said he believed the experience from the previous couple of years in European competition would stand the team in good stead.
"Tactically, the players know what to do because they have a lot of experience in Europe. Some players may change, but the side knows the right way to play."
He conclulded, "For me, this first game can be just as important as the final because we need to start winning quickly in this competition if we want to progress. I can see the team is confident in every game, whether it's the league or Champions League."