Liverpool spell the end for Mancini March 12 2008
Rafael Benitez believes Liverpool's march into the Champions League last eight underlines the "power of the Premier League".
The Reds beat Inter Milan 1-0 in the San Siro on the night, and 3-0 on aggregate, to make it four English sides in the quarter-finals for the first time.
Benitez's side have now joined Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea in Friday's draw for the last eight.
It was not only the Merseysiders who created a stir, with Inter coach Roberto Mancini confirming that he "had only two more months at the San Siro" immediately after the match.
Mancini made it clear he would be leaving the club in the summer, prompting questions to Benitez about how he would react to an approach from the Serie A leaders, although he insisted: "I am happy at Liverpool and happy with my team and being in the Champions League quarter-finals."
After Fernando Torres had grabbed the crucial second-half winner, Benitez added: "I do not have any preference now who we play next, but I would be more than happy to face an English side in the final.
"This victory shows the power and strength of the Premier League. We have fine clubs who are amongst the best in Europe, a league that is the same and players of quality who are some of the best in Europe."
Benitez won the tactical battle but admitted the sending-off of Nicolas Burdisso early in the second half had changed the game.
He said: "The two goals we scored in the first-leg were crucial, and then when they had a man sent-off it is always easier to play against 10 men than 11.
"The key for us was to be compact in the first half when they were attacking and to be sure that we hit them on the counter-attack.
"This is the third time we have got to this stage while I have been at Anfield. The first season nobody talked of us winning the Champions League, but we did it.
"Now we have a much better squad and experience and I have great confidence in my team to play in big games."
Mancini questioned the red card for Burdisso which changed the nature of the tie.
He said: "I was disappointed with the refereeing. People must be punished the same way, and tackles dealt with the same way.
"But four times in the first-half players went through the back of my team and were not penalised.
"Playing with 10 men for the second match in the tie was always going to be tough against a side like Liverpool.
"Liverpool are a very strong side and can do well in this tournament. I believe Arsenal, too, can win it."