Let’s step Champions League chase up a gear - Liverpool FC boss Rafa Benitez

Rafa Benitez 300RAFA BENITEZ has urged his players to take their form up another gear as Liverpool attempt to bring 2009 to a successful conclusion.The Reds will receive a stern examination of their Champions League credentials tonight when they tackle Martin O'Neill's improving Aston Villa side.Liverpool got a confidence boosting win on Boxing Day when beating Wolves at Anfield but Benitez feels a big step up on that will be necessary if they are to win at Villa Park.Form at Anfield has been good but, on their travels, Liverpool have struggled and they have only one of their last six away Premier League fixtures.That's why the manager - who is expected to return Dirk Kuyt to his starting line-up - has called for bold performance to set them up for the second half of the campaign.'We know we need to improve,' said Benitez. 'I have been a manager for 23 years and I know that during a season there will always be good moments and bad moments.'The only way to change things is to keep working hard. We know the areas that we need to improve and that we have to stop making some mistakes.

Source: Liverpool_Echo