Action started early in the UEFA Champions league semi-finals as Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez and his Chelsea counterpart Jose Mourinho have exchanged some hot declarations ahead of their clash. "We were good friends until we started winning, then he started changing his mind. It's the same with the managers of the top sides. He has good relationships with managers of teams he beats," said Benitez. Mourinho started the chit-chat when he claimed that Liverpool will be favorites as they are only challenging for the Champions League. The Spaniard launched his counter attack by citing the huge financial power that stands beside his rival. "Always as a manager you must be confident your team can win, and any Liverpool team will always be confident. But we know Chelsea are a very good team, in the last five years they have spent big money on players and they have a very good squad. They are in other semi-finals and chasing trophies, that is what they want and have prepared for. "Yes we only have one trophy to go for, but they would not want to change what they are doing now." Liverpool beat Chelsea in 2005 courtesy of a goal from Luis Garcia, which the Blues argue did not fully cross the line. "They may not accept what happened here two years ago, but they cannot change things now.” "We are pleased we will play the second leg at Anfield. If we can do something at Stamford Bridge, maybe we will then have the advantage. "They know that. But playing counter-attack like they did in Valencia shows how dangerous they are in away games. Chelsea know us and we know them very well," added the Spaniard. Mourinho confirmed that he is going for this match with nothing in mind except a historical Quadruple. "Revenge is not for me in football or life, it is a tie where we know we start from behind and why is simple: Liverpool play only in the Champions League and Chelsea plays in the Champions League, Premiership and FA Cup. "And we have players suspended and on yellow cards. Liverpool is in a very clean situation so I think they start in front of us." Chelsea will host Liverpool on April 25th while the return leg will be on the first of May at Anfield.
