Rafael Benitez believes
Liverpool can build on last month's dramatic victory over Bolton
Wanderers by embarking on an unbeaten run in the Barclays Premier
League.
After losing two of their opening
three fixtures, a late Steven Gerrard goal secured a 3-2 triumph over the Trotters and
ensured all three points headed to Anfield in the last fixture
before the international break.
Now Benitez is backing his side to gain momentum from the win - and
has insisted it is far too early in the season for anyone to be
writing off the Reds' title aspirations.
"The team as a team has not played at the level we can, but
hopefully the win against Bolton will be a lift for us," the boss
told his weekly press conference at Melwood.
"When you are not doing well you always need character - and the
players showed character against Bolton.
"We controlled the game and although we conceded two goals, we
scored three and came from behind to win. That is very positive and
hopefully it will be a different situation for us now."
Asked what he felt the reason was behind Liverpool's mixed start to
the campaign, Benitez replied: "Two things. One was expectation -
when we finished last season with 86 points, I think everybody was
expecting this year to be ours.
"But the message is always the same - we have to think about one
game at a time, try to get three points and then see what our
position is each week.
"You cannot win titles in September, so you have to go to January
and see where you are, and then April and May is when you will
fight.
"The other thing was that pre-season was difficult with a lot of
players returning at different times.
"We tried to manage the situation and then we had another
international break, so we didn't have too much time. Then we
started against Tottenham, who are doing well, so it was
difficult."
Benitez is predicting a much more open title race this campaign,
and added: "You don't want to lose two games, especially early in
the season, but clearly this year will be different.
"The teams at the top fighting can beat anyone, so I think you will
see some top teams lose games."
Barclays Premier League new boys Burnley are next up for Liverpool
as the Lancashire side travel to Anfield on Saturday.
The Clarets will arrive in L4 having already beaten Manchester
United and Everton this term - and Benitez knows they will provide
a stern test for his charges.
"Burnley are a good team and have a very good group of players who
know each other very well," said the Spaniard.
"When you see a new team in the Premier League playing the way they
are, it shows the manager is doing a good job and it will be a
tough game, like always in the Premier League.
"They have beaten Manchester United and Everton and that shows they
are doing well, so you never know - anything can happen in
football.
"We have a lot of confidence and are sure we can win, but I think
that maybe they will feel they can get some points too."
Benitez revealed Brazilian full-back Fabio Aurelio could come into contention for Saturday's
encounter and is hopeful of his international stars returning to
Melwood with a clean bill of health.
Meanwhile, the manager was quizzed on England's World Cup prospects
after the Three Lions secured their place in next year's finals
after beating Croatia 5-1 at Wembley on Wednesday night.
"I think there are three or four countries who have the power and
the quality to win the World Cup, and England are one of those
teams," said Benitez.
England's cause was aided by excellent performances from Anfield
duo Steven Gerrard and Glen Johnson.
Gerrard helped himself to a brace of goals, while Johnson claimed
another assist in the comprehensive win.
"Glen has been really good for us since the very first day and also
for England," enthused Benitez. "You can see his offensive
mentality and his crossing is really good.
"I was surprised to see some criticism the other day. He is a very
good player. He can improve and he knows this - he is someone who
is keen to learn.
"He is so good attacking that sometimes it is difficult for the
defenders of the other team to stop him than it is for him to be
worried about the defence.
"He can improve in defence, but he is a decent defender and very
good at attacking. He has a very good balance and his understanding
of the game is good."
Gerrard's double came from his makeshift position on the left on
midfield - but Benitez believes his captain is good enough to
operate in any role.
He said: "I have been for talking about Steven's best position for
years, but he is a very good player who can play in any
position.
"He is doing well for England on the left and if he plays in the
middle or as a second striker he will be good too.
"In playing Gerrard on the left, I think Steven knows he has
freedom and can go inside.
"Capello is doing a fantastic job and he has a very good team who
are organised."
