THE CLOSURE of the Mersey tunnel created a surprising obstacle to Rafa Benitez this week. After his side's heroic derby win, most Liverpool fans thought the Wirral-based manager was able to walk across the river.

Benitez's meticulous planning ensured he wasn't unduly affected by the travel chaos. He had already given his players 48 hours to recover.

Instead, the Liverpool boss was able to reflect at home on an exceptional triumph. Inevitably, the reminders were never too far away.

"There are some people working at my house and they told me they were very happy with the result," said Benitez. "Then I took my daughter to school and everyone was smiling and saying 'fantastic result'. I have seen the smile on the faces of our supporters all week.

"I always knew winning derbies such as this is always important, but to do it with 10 men after playing so well is particularly fantastic.

"I know our supporters enjoyed seeing the team work as they did with 10 men. To play so well without our captain and top goalscorer was really good for us.

"Our teamwork is a great sign for the future."

If the endless shouts of congratulations from the red half of the city were not enough, Benitez has also awoken to more 'come and get me' pleas lately than you would get at a Thai massage parlour.

Bolton's Stelios and Deportivo La Coruna's Victor have both publicly expressed regret at their failure to complete Anfield moves since the summer, and are eager for interest to be reignited.

Typically, Benitez won't be drawn on whether he's still got the will to chase the pair. Many presume the ruthless coach would be reluctant to offer a second chance to any player who turned him down.

Stelios and Victor aren't the only ones who come into that category, of course, but they may be heartened to learn Benitez would consider re-examining unspecified former targets if the circumstances were right.

"I'm never going to say to a player I've closed the door for the rest of his life," said Benitez. "It depends on the situation. Every player is different.

"Sometimes a player will say 'no' to you. There are understandable reasons. It could be the wrong moment which makes a deal impossible, or perhaps the player simply doesn't have the passion to join your club.

"You have to analyse the reason and then make a decision if an opportunity comes again."

Indeed, Benitez takes satisfaction from the number of players hoping he will pursue them in the summer. He believes it confirms his theory that Liverpool is one of the most attractive clubs in the world to join.

"When you want to improve and be a winner, you can go to a club which win a lot but where you know you will not play," he said.

"Alternatively, you can join a team which is progressing and heading in the right direction. If a player wants to be a part of such a club, they will look towards us.

"They can see we're better in the league, we've won a Champions League, and we're moving forward.

"This is the kind of place it's better to join as a player, rather than somewhere where you may earn more money.

"Motivation is the key and I know the majority of players think about this, not money. They look for a club where they can improve and win trophies.

"I hope we will be an even more attractive club to join this summer than last because we've signed more good play-ers and have an even better, positive atmosphere at the club."

Tomorrow's opponents will offer no respite after the limb-aching derby win.

West Brom showed against Tottenham they're playing better than results suggest, and Benitez's scout reports warned of a hazardous journey to the Midlands for a game Liverpool must play without suspended skipper Steven Gerrard.

The Liverpool manager says he did speak to the captain after last weekend's red card, but he knows the experience hasn't proved unduly negative.

"I spoke to all the players afterwards and said we can learn from what happened," he said. "If that situation had occurred in a cup game, it could have been more serious than it finally proved.

"When you're playing those games, you need to be calm and keep everything under control. It's a good lesson to learn having won the game.

"That's always better than paying the price with a defeat."