Benitez not ruling Reds out
23 Dec 2007 - 12:13:15
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez refused to rule his side out of the title race after Saturday's 4-1 demolition of Portsmouth.
The Reds slipped ten points off the pave of league leaders Arsenal following last weekend's 1-0 defeat at the hands of Manchester United.
But speaking after his side took Pompey apart at Anfield, the Spaniard claimed it was too early in the season to consider who will be in the final title shake-up.
"It is too early to talk about the title or whether we will be in the top four," he said.
"There are a number of sides around that mark who are playing well, so you cannot say who are going to be contenders."
Meanwhile, Benitez hailed the performance of Fernando Torres, who continued his fine recent form with a brace against Pompey.
"Torres though is always a threat. Not only that but he makes room for our other players," he added.
"He has a good mentality and experience. He uses his ability and pace to hurt defenders.
"When you have a team like ours behind you it is easy for someone like him to get chances."