Rafael Benítez was awarded an honorary degree at Elche University earlier today for his application of scientific methodolgy to football coaching.

Before the ceremony, the Liverpool coach explained his methods to Sports Science and Physical Education students.

When asked about Spain's chances at the Euro 2008 finals, Benítez said: We'll all be watching their progress with a great deal of hope because they're capable of winning the title. We've got a good squad and a good coach so we should be optimistic. Luis has got a great group of players and they're going to have a great tournament."

With respect to the difference in the number of goals scored by Fernando Torres at club and international level, Benítez said that he is sure the striker will also start scoring soon for Spain "because I know him perfectly well."

Invited to comment on the apparent paradox of two English clubs meeting in the final of the Champions League and the national side's failure to qualify for this summer's finals, Benítez was keen to point out that, after the arrival of Fabio Capello, England "now have a very good manager" and predicted that they will soon be "once again where they belong and should have few problems in qualifying for the next World Cup."