Benitez Chooses To Look At Liverpool Positives

Rafael Benitez has given his post-match comments after tonight's 1-1 draw with Everton.

Jan 19, 2009 5:31:45 PM

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EPL: Tim Cahill, Liverpool - Everton (PA)

Rafael Benitez, the Liverpool manager, has insisted it is too early to write off his side’s Premier League title chances after their 1-1 draw with Everton.

The Reds looked destined to return to the top of the Barclays Premier League this evening after taking a second half lead through Steven Gerrard, but Tim Cahill’s late equaliser means they remain behind Manchester United.

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But Benitez does not want the club’s fans to over-react, insisting it has still been a positive season despite tonight’s disappointing result.

"It is too soon [to write us off],” Benitez told Liverpool’s official website. “We are in a very good position.

“It could be better, but we have to look at the positives. We are level on points at the top with Man Utd and it's January. We are also through in the Champions League and the Cup.
 
"We have to be disappointed because we dropped two points when we were winning with three minutes to go, but still there are a lot of positives.”
 
The Spaniard added, "You have to think about whether we would have wanted to be in this position if you asked back in August - I can guarantee that 100 per cent of the fans would have said yes.
 
"I have told the players - and it's not easy because everyone is disappointed - that they have to look at the positives.
 
"We can play better. Some players are coming back from injury and they will improve."
 
Benitez then admitted his side’s defending for Cahill’s goal was sub-standard, before defending his decision to substitute striker Fernando Torres with the score still at 1-0.

“I have seen the replay of how we conceded and maybe it wasn't necessary. The delivery was really good but maybe we could have done better,” he said.
 
"I do not know what difference it would have made to have a very tired Torres on the pitch defending this free-kick."

Liverpool have now drawn six of their last nine league games, with home games proving to be a big problem for them this season – tonight’s draw being their fifth at Anfield in eleven matches at home in the league.

-- Chris Myson, Goal.com

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