Source: Telegraph
Rafael Benitez calls for Liverpool improvement after opening day defeat
Liverpool were poor in the 2-1 defeat at Tottenham, leaving Benitez admitting that immediate improvement is required if his side are to offer a realistic challenge to Manchester United's quest for a fourth straight title.
'We didn't play well, especially in the first half. We were much better the second half, pushing harder with more options in the final third. Clearly we have to improve if we want to win these kind of games.
'It's too early to say what we have learned, but we have another game on Wednesday and we have to improve in the possession.'
With injuries forcing his hand, Benitez had to name no fewer than four players without Premier League experience on the bench.
'We had two or three players injured, so it's difficult. You can see that these players with quality and experience, normally they can help. We had some players like Benayoun, Voronin, Dossena with experience and if we need to use them, we can do it well.'
Benitez will consider recalling Albert Riera, rested yesterday, for Wednesday's visit of Stoke who drew 0-0 at Anfield last season, while there will be a test for defender Martin Skrtel, who damaged his cheek bone in an accidental clash with team-mate Jamie Carragher.
