Liverpool´s flaws are only minor, says Benitez

Rafael Benitez believes he can get Liverpool’s spluttering season back on track by fixing just a few minor problems with his team.

Benitez has suffered heavy criticism in recent weeks as the Reds slipped to seventh in the Premier League table, while also edging towards an early exit from the Champions League.

Liverpool have won only one of their last nine matches in all competitions, but boss Benitez is convinced there is no reason to write off their hopes of a successful campaign just yet.

“We have to change some small things that we need to improve on. We talk about the positives and analyse the negatives,” he said.

“We have to look at the big picture. We know we’ve had some problems and we’ve made some mistakes but still we are so close.

“Everything will be different if we win two or three in a row. The confidence will be high and everything will be easier.

“Maybe we can start the season right now. Winning against City will be a big boost for everyone and if that happens I’m sure we’ll see the best of the team.

“I am 100 percent sure everything will be totally different if we can win the game against City after this international break. The season can be good if we do well.”

Injuries to midfielders Yossi Benayoun and Albert Riera, who will both be out for four weeks, have left Benitez with reduced options for Liverpool’s first match after the international break at home to Manchester City.

The Reds have failed to cope without Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres this season, yet Benitez is adamant his stand-ins are capable of better performances than they have produced so far.

“We have a better squad than people think,” Benitez said. “It’s a question of getting some key players back.

“You could see the other day (in the 2-2 draw with Birmingham) that with Glen Johnson and Steven Gerrard we were creating so many chances. The quality is there.”