Benitez’s side return to action as they travel to Blackburn on Tuesday and the Spaniard is sure recent results – although from games against some of the league’s lesser lights – will stand them in good stead.

Benitez said: “We know we have beaten some of the teams at the bottom of the table and that we still have the big three – Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United – to come here in the league.

“What we are doing is building confidence. When we were losing against top sides away from home everyone was talking about our position in the table.”

Benitez felt his side came through a good test against Watford, who were physical, well organised and carried a strong threat from set-pieces.

He added: “I told the players to be calm, not to put the ball in the air and with one good pass we could be through in front of the keeper. It is all about being calm and controlled on the counter-attack.

“We have gone many games without conceding now and that shows the whole team is playing well. We have balance and we do not give opponents many chances.”

Liverpool will next face a Blackburn side who are one place above the drop zone having finished last season in sixth spot.

Benitez believes it is tough for mid-table sides with smaller squads to handle league and European matches.

He said: “It is difficult when a team is playing in the Premier League and the cups. I have some experience of this; when we are playing Champions League and then you have to play the league. It is not easy for the players.

“But I remember when we were 11th in the table people thought we were struggling in the league but if you win two games in a row they will be in the middle or the top half of the table.”