Liverpool Coach Rafael Benitez: Players Lack Confidence

Spaniard believes injuries to Gerrard and Torres have hit Reds hard...

Rafael Benitez and Steven Gerrard of Liverpool get a feel for Stamford Bridge before their Champions League clash with Chelsea (PA)

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has admitted that he is responsible for lifting the Reds' low morale, following the recent performances that have seen the club go from title contenders to also-rans.


The Merseysiders are eighth in the Premier League, and have won only once in their last five outings in all competitions. Benitez admits this has caused a slump in self-belief among the players, something he must retrieve.

"That is my responsibility, to improve confidence," said Benitez.

"To do that I have to be positive, it is the only way. The message is very clear, we have quality in our squad and we must show that.

"We can win a run of games in a row, we have done that with these same players. That is the positive thought we must retain."

The former Valencia boss attributed the sharp dip in performances to the persistent injuries his skipper Steven Gerrard and striker Fernando Torres have had to endure in recent times.

He added: "They have been included in FIFA's world team [of the year] this week, that shows how good they are and what they can produce. But when they are not fully fit, they cannot perform to those standards."

Adithya Ananth, Goal.com UK

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