Benitez: Premiership has improved
Rafael Benitez admits winning games in the Barclays Premiership has become more difficult compared to last season – but the Liverpool boss has been encouraged by Chelsea’s winning run coming to an end.
Benitez won the Champions League in his first season at Anfield but has not enjoyed success in domestic competition, with Liverpool currently 12th in the table with just four wins.
Chelsea have gain established a commanding position as leaders but were defeated in their last game, a 1-0 reversal against Manchester United which proved to Benitez they are “beatable”.
“We want to be challenging towards the top end of the table as soon as possible and competing for places in the top four,” Benitez said.
“We know it won’t be easy because the Premiership is of a high standard this year and I honestly believe it’s more difficult than ever to win games.
“Last season you could look at the sides towards the bottom and feel more confident of winning than you would this season. That’s because teams have improved now and many are working at the same level.”
He added on official website liverpoolfc.tv: “At the top Chelsea have had a good start but their defeat at Manchester United has shown everyone that they’re not invincible and that they can be beaten.
“United’s win may not have been the best result for us because it meant another three points for a side who we hope to challenge for a place in the top four, but it should at least give everyone confidence that the game isn’t lost before you even kick off against Chelsea. They can be beaten.”
Liverpool striker Peter Crouch is yet to open his account since moving in the summer from Southampton, and he was also jeered by fans in a recent appearance for England.
Benitez, however, insists the 24-year-old has a role in taking the club forward, and the former Valencia boss was impressed by Crouch’s substitute appearance against Aston Villa when he helped turn the game.
Benitez added: “In the dressing room here everyone knows what he brings to the team but it has seemed over recent weeks that others just wanted to criticise him.
“He showed in the game at Aston Villa that he is a good player and someone who will do the things we need to improve our team. There’s no point in comparing him to other players and saying he’s better or worse, because the important thing is he’s a player we needed to help us move forward.
“He can keep the ball, he is a threat in the air and he will score goals.”
