Rafa Benitez believes he was right to pledge that
Liverpool would finish in the top four in the Premier
League.
The Spaniard declared earlier this month that he could
'guarantee' his side's qualification for next season's Champions
League.
The pledge came despite a disappointing start to the current
campaign which has left Liverpool seventh at the halfway point.
And Benitez's choice of phrase has been questioned by critics
who think he should not make promises he is not certain to
keep.
He, however, has defended himself by insisting he has no option
but to be positive.
Benitez feels Liverpool are strong enough to climb the table
over the next few months and is not backing down over his previous
statement.
"People keep asking me why I say categorically that we will be
in the top four - but what do you expect from me?" said
Benitez.
"I have to say that. We have confidence and we have to do it
because we are a top side."