Source: SKY_Sports
Rafa - Title dream alive
Rafa Benitez insists the Premier League title is still within Liverpool's reach, provided they remain calm.
The Reds have made a far from convincing start to the 2009/10 campaign, slipping to three defeats in their opening eight games.
That is more than they suffered in the whole of last season, when they were agonisingly pipped to the post by arch-rivals Manchester United.
Having come so close last term, Liverpool were once again expected to mount a serious challenge this time around.
They are yet to display the consistency to suggest they are capable of claiming the crown, but Benitez is confident that his side will be there or thereabouts come next May.
"The most difficult thing this season is to manage expectation," the Spaniard told Liverpool's official website.
"Last season we finished with 86 points and everyone was talking about this being the year.
"It's a long race and if we make mistakes and give up too early it will be impossible.
"So the main thing for everyone here is to try to be calm and keep working hard."
Benitez has also been quick to point out that many of Liverpool's rivals are yet to face their most testing spell of the season and he feels the Reds will be ready to pounce should an opening arise over the coming months.
"We have some players coming back from injury, so we have time," he said. "We need to keep the mentality, keep scoring goals and we will see."
He added: "I think it will be tough at the top of the table.
"Chelsea are a good team but don't forget they will lose some players at the Africa Cup of Nations (in January) so we will see.
"Everyone is talking about Manchester United, Manchester City, Tottenham and Aston Villa, so I think it could be a very open race.
"That is why my message is the same - for us to keep doing our job properly."
