Monday, May 14, 2007

Benitez Looking For Winning Combinations

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez admits he is fully intent on making the Reds genuine Premiership contenders next term.

Liverpool matched last season's third-place finish with a scrappy 2-2 draw at home to relegated Charlton on Sunday.

And on Tuesday they head to La Manga in southern Spain for a five-day training camp ahead of the May 23 Champions League final with AC Milan in Athens.

But Benitez knows that with the major influx of money from new owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett available this summer Liverpool must make a far better fist of their title challenge next time around.

Liverpool finished 21 points behind champions Manchester United and Benitez know that is not good enough.

"I am happy we finished third - it was the same as last season - but obviously we want to go better than that next season," he said.

"We aim to be contenders and we know we must improve, especially in our away form.

"I feel, though, that it is maybe only one or two games that make the difference. When you play against Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal you must beat them."

Liverpool have got a shocking record in league matches against the big four rivals and that has again cost them dearly.

Benitez said: "If we can achieve improved results against the best sides that will make us very much closer to the top of the table.

"That in turn gives you a different approach to games; when you are 12 points behind maybe you think things are not possible.

"I have said all along that we are a better squad but other teams also spend money on new players and we must try also to improve the team. We must be closer and we must be contenders."

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