Benayoun understands Liverpool way.

Byline: BY IAN DOYLE

YOSSI BENAYOUN believes he has finally got to grips with life at Liverpool - and Rafael Benitez's unique managerial style.

Benayoun continued his recent good form by netting the second goal in the 2-0 victory over Sunderland on Tuesday.

Last week, the Israeli had etched his name into Anfield folklore by heading the winner in the Champions League first knockout round first leg win at Real Madrid.

The 28-year-old, signed from West Ham United 18 months ago, expressed his concern earlier this season at a lack of regular first-team opportunities.

But having started four of the last five games, Benayoun insists he has now accepted Benitez's rotation policy.

"I have come to appreciate that, at a big club like Liverpool, you can't take anything for granted," said the midfielder. "With the number of top players we've got, you accept you are not always going to be playing and that you have to give it everything, when your chance comes along. That is fine with me. If I found myself going three or four months without setting foot on the pitch, it might be different. But as things stand, that is not an issue with me. I feel settled, and I'm happy to be contributing."

Benayoun has appeared in 32 of Liverpool's 42 games so far this season, although 14 of those outings have been as a substitute.

But he added: "I am also learning how things work here. You can score a very famous goal, an absolutely crucial one, and it will all be forgotten the following day, as far as the manager is concerned.

"He only thinks of the next challenge, and that is how it should be. It has taught me you can't celebrate too long or rest on your laurels, and I am already looking at my goal in Madrid that way.

"For me, it will only be important if we go all the way and win the Champions' League. Otherwise, it will count for nothing."

Benayoun has revealed the calm at which Benitez greeted last week's result at the Bernabeu.

"It was madness in our changing rooms in Madrid last week, after we won, and I had to take my mobile phone into the toilets to call my family. It was the only way I could make myself heard.

"Everyone was screaming and shouting, except for the manager, of course. He was his usual calm self. He didn't even congratulate us or shake hands, never mind join in all the hugs and backslapping that was going on.

"That's just how he is, and I am beginning to understand why. He is very professional, and he wants us to be the same all the time. He won't stand for any of us getting carried away or feeling we are superior to anyone else.

"He likes keeping you on your toes. He only announced the team two hours before kick-off."

Meanwhile, Liverpool will tour the Far East once again this summer as part of their preparations for next season.

The Anfield outfit have agreed a nine-day trip that will include matches in Hong Kong, Bangkok and Singapore. The tour will be between July 17 and 26, although details of the opposition have not yet been finalised.

Sebastian Leto could return early from his loan spell at Olympiakos following a row with coach Ernesto Valverde.

Leto was left out of the squad for the weekend clash with Panathinaikos and then had a bust-up during training.

CAPTION(S):

Yossi Benayoun