Source: SKY_Sports
Rafa backs Reds to recover
Rafa Benitez remains confident his Liverpool side can overcome their current woes ahead of a pivotal week in their season.
The Reds suffered their fourth defeat of a faltering Premier League campaign on Saturday as their injury-hit side were undone 1-0 at Sunderland with Darren Bent's beach ball-aided winner proving their downfall.
Next on the agenda for Anfield outfit is a home UEFA Champions League meeting with Lyon on Tuesday evening, before Sunday's clash of the titans against Manchester United on Merseyside.
In an interview with L'Equipe prior to the recent international break, Benitez said: "We have a lot of worries at the start of this season, but we are improving and my team will soon find again its best level.
"I am convinced of that.
"We were very close last season. Don't forget Liverpool has less money than Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal and now Manchester City."
If Benitez's men are beaten on home turf by United on Sunday, they would fall 10 points behind the league leaders and would have lost half of their opening 10 fixtures, leaving their already-fading title hopes in tatters.
DifficultAnd having lost away to Fiorentina in their last Champions League Group E outing, the Reds can ill-afford to slip up at home against experienced European campaigners Lyon, with Benitez looking for the home fans to play their part.
The Spaniard added: "Lyon have a lot of experience. That is why it will be difficult for us. Lyon are a team who are very well organised by a very good coach (Claude Puel), and I know he is a workaholic.
"When you have won Le Championnat seven times in a row, and each time you then reach the knock-out stages of the Champions League, that means you are a great club in Europe.
"Since we lost at Fiorentina, the encounter against Lyon has bigger importance. Above all, we have to reach the knock-out stage and also ideally finish top of our group.
"At Fiorentina, we met a team who were extremely motivated, and very excited. My team were too easy-going and were not focused enough in the first half.
"Lyon is a key match, and when needed, our fans are fantastic. At Anfield, my players are inspired. Our team has a state of mind adapted to the Champions League, and Anfield is a magic place to drive us."
AquilaniMany critics have pointed to the summer sale of Xabi Alonso as a key factor in Liverpool's struggles, but Benitez believes he has an able deputy waiting in the wings.
Alberto Aquilani was brought in from Roma in the summer for a reported £20million but is still to feature for his new employers, and Benitez believes he will bring a new dimension to their attacking options.
He said: "The problem is his replacement, Alberto Aquilani, arrived injured. He has still not played, but he will soon. Aquilani will offer less long passes than Xabi, but more pace and attacking opportunities."
Meanwhile, the F6 company representing Saudi Prince Faisal bin Fahd bin Abdullah have denied suggestions that a deal to buy part or all of Anfield co-owner George Gillett's shares was on the horizon.
Gillett travelled to the Middle East last week, but it appears that negotiations between the two parties have been put on hold.
F6 spokesman Gassim Hamidaddin said: "The purchase of a stake has not been discussed throughout his visit, not for even five minutes."
