Rafael Benitez says he “guarantees” Liverpool will finish in the top four despite their poor form so far this season.
Having begun the campaign hoping to challenge for the title Liverpool lie seventh in the table, 13 points behind leaders Chelsea and already out of the Champions League.
However, despite their erratic form to date, Benitez remains convinced that Liverpool will be in one of the four Champions League spots at the end of the season.
“I am sure we can do it because I know we are better than the team you are seeing on the pitch,” said Benitez.
“I can guarantee we will finish in the top four.”
Benitez is facing the most difficult period of his five years in charge at Anfield, but insisted the club was in a better position now than at any time during his tenure.
“For five years I think we were doing well so we have to keep going in the same way because the club is stronger now in everything: the squad, the value of the club is better than five years ago,” added Benitez.
“Yes it is a bad moment but I still think we can improve.
“I think it is very important for any manager, but especially here in England, to be strong,” he stated.
“You have to show you have an idea, you have your own people that you can talk with and analyse things and say ‘This is the way to do things’ and we have to keep going.
“The main thing for me is to come here early in the morning, do my job, go home still working a little bit and try to be ready for the next day.
“That is the way to do things and that is an example for the players – and they are doing the same thing.
“Everything can be improved and if we make mistakes we keep going.
“There are still 22 games to play so we know we have to change our target. Now it is to get three points against Wigan and then start thinking about Portsmouth (at the weekend).”
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