Rafael Benitez fears he will need to call a doctor in Athens' Olympic Stadium on Wednesday night if there is a repeat of Liverpool's Champions League epic with AC Milan.
The Reds famously launched an astounding comeback from three goals down against Milan in Istanbul two years ago before eventually emerging victorious in a dramatic penalty shoot-out.
Benitez can chuckle about the drama now but it was no laughing matter at the time as the Spaniard screwed up his half-time team-talk and faced impending humiliation.
Ultimate ecstasy proved to be worth the agony and Benitez is prepared to go through the same torment again if the outcome is the same; although he is not sure his heart will take the strain.
"What happened two years ago was amazing," he said.
"It was the best final in the history of the competition.
"Although I do not think we will see a game like that again, I would take it if the score was the same but I would probably need a doctor."
Benitez is predicting a closely-fought encounter with far fewer goals. Given he expected something similar last time around, the 47-year-old should not be treated as a reliable guide as to how the action might unfold.
As is his nature, the former Valencia coach did not give much away in his final public utterances before kick-off, diffusing every potential area of tension or controversy.
He is apparently preparing a surprise for Milan by using skipper Steven Gerrard in an advanced role just behind lone striker Dirk Kuyt.
The move is designed both to fortify a midfield in which Boudewijn Zenden is expected to start on the left and spook a Milan side who still remember how Gerrard's sheer force of will overwhelmed them in the Ataturk Stadium.
Debate continues to rage over Gerrard's most effective position for club and country, yet Benitez feels the England vice-captain really is his flexible friend.
"Two years ago, Steven Gerrard started on the right of midfield and finished at right-back," he recalled.
"We will see what happens tomorrow but I know Steven can play well in every position."
Having seen Manchester United demolished by a supposedly ageing Milan side in the San Siro three weeks ago, Benitez is not likely to fall into the trap of accepting Paolo Maldini and Alessandro Nesta are past their best.
In private, he is sure to be working on a plan to keep the pair moving as much as possible, recognising it is virtually impossible for the pair to play for as long, at the same intensity, as they did a decade ago.
Every potential avenue for attack has been identified and it is fair to assume the eventual plan does not involve offering Kaka, Clarence Seedorf and Andrea Pirlo the freedom of midfield as United did.
"Preparation is about small details," outlined Benitez.
"It is going to be a tough game, a difficult game and I do not expect a lot of goals. The team who scores first will have a great advantage.
"Milan are an excellent team with a lot of strengths. But we have strengths as well. We need to analyse the situation and try to play to our strengths while exploiting their weaknesses."
The presence of new owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks in the Greek capital only heightens the sense of anticipation on Merseyside, not just in terms of Wednesday's game but the possibility of a new golden era.
Although a meeting between Benitez and the American duo to outline future plans is scheduled for Thursday, the Liverpool coach is keen to set aside any potential distraction to ensure the focus within the Reds camp remains solely on the immediate challenge.
Victory in a stadium which already holds a place in British sporting folklore as the arena in which Kelly Holmes collected double Olympic gold, will move Liverpool alongside AC Milan as the joint second most successful side in European Cup history with six triumphs, trailing only nine-times winners Real Madrid.
As Benitez would have been responsible for a third of those victories, his place in Liverpool history would be assured.
Should the aim not be achieved, the man charged with recreating the halcyon days at Anfield is eager to ensure his players have no cause for remorse.
"We have to try and do the right things and enjoy it," he said.
"If we do the right things and win, it would be a perfect night for us.
"If we cannot, we must do our best and leave the pitch with no regrets."
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