Liverpool Football Club News

• Nickname:Reds
• Founded:1892
• Manager:Kenny Dalglish

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Three points a relief for Rafa

17 Dec 2009 - 09:42:39

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Rafael Benitez admitted points and not the performance are important to Liverpool at the moment following his side's 2-1 victory over Wigan Athletic at Anfield.

The stuttering Reds recorded only their fourth win in 16 games on Wednesday night after goals from David N'Gog and substitute Fernando Torres.

It was far from a vintage display by the Reds but, following their recent travails, Benitez admitted he was just happy to keep their top-four hopes alive with a three-point haul.

"It was very important to win, to get three points, with a lot of positives," said Benitez.

"It does not matter if we couldn't score more goals and be more relaxed in the second half but, at the end of the day, three points is key.

"We needed to get these three points and be ready for the next game. We are thinking about one game at a time so now Portsmouth (on Saturday) is the target."

Meanwhile, Benitez has pledged to be careful with Torres following his return from a length groin injury absence.

Torres notched his 61st Liverpool goal in his 100th appearance despite starting on the substitute's bench.

"I wanted to keep him back because he was really tired after the last game," added Benitez.

"I told him I wanted to protect him and it would be good for me to play him at the end and he was good too.

"I think he will be ready for Portsmouth."