Torres and Reina back Benitez

(GSM) – Liverpool duo Fernando Torres and Pepe Reina have offered their support to Rafael Benitez. The position of the Spanish manager came under further scrutiny following Liverpool’s elimination in the Champions League.

Liverpool have won just two of their past 11 competitive matches and were knocked out of the Champions League on Tuesday, when their victory against Debrecen (0-1) was worthless because of Fiorentina’s win against Olympique Lyon (1-0).

Torres hopes to be fit enough to return for his team on Sunday, when the Reds face another crucial match against city rivals Everton. The 25-year-old Spain international believes Benitez is the man to turn things round at Anfield and has called on everyone at the club to stick together.

“Benitez has shown that he is the right man to take Liverpool forward,” Torres said. “When the club has needed to be strong it always has been. Now is the time for everybody to stick together from the manager right down to the lowliest member of staff because above all else we want to make our wonderful fans happy with our performances and results.

“We must be united to finish as high as possible in the Premier League. I am convinced that we will end up in the top four. We also have high hopes for the FA Cup and the Europa League. At this time, this tournament has become a goal for the club.

“Nobody expected it (to be knocked out) because this team has shown itself over recent seasons to be very reliable.

“This is a competition that we won in 2005 and on another occasion (2007) we got to the final. Since I have been with the club we have got to a semi-final and a quarter-final.

Reina also dismissed suggestions that Benitez has lost the support of the players at Liverpool.

“Benitez has 100 per cent credibility and support among the players,” said Reina. “He is a great coach and he knows how to get the best out of his players.

“He has done important things for Liverpool and will continue to do so. When he is under pressure, that’s when he brings out the best in himself. He is perfectly capable of turning the situation around at Liverpool.”