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Page last updated at 14:17 GMT, Friday, 13 November 2009

Benitez sets sights on Man City

Rafael Benitez
Benitez feels one win could turn around Liverpool's season

Manager Rafael Benitez feels Liverpool will kick-start their season if they beat Manchester City on Saturday week.

The Reds' title hopes have been hit by five league defeats already and they face a stern test against City, who are pushing to finish in the top four.

Benitez said: "Maybe we can start the season now. I am 100% sure everything will be totally different if we can win the game against City.

"It would be a big boost and the season can be good if we do well."

Liverpool sit seventh in the Premier League table, 11 points behind leaders Chelsea and one place and one point below City, who also have a game in hand over the Reds.

Yet despite being so far behind so early in the season, Benitez insists his side are not completely out of touch.

"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," said the Spaniard.

606: DEBATE

"We have to change some small things that we need to improve on. We talk about the positives and analyse the negatives.

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

Liverpool have not been helped by their injury problems. Spain striker Fernando Torres has a hernia problem which will keep him out for at least another three weeks while captain Steven Gerrard is nursing a groin problem.

England right-back Glen Johnson and wingers Albert Riera and Yossi Benayoun all have hamstring injuries, with the latter pair sidelined until at least December.

A back problem continues to worry Daniel Agger's while Fabio Aurelio has pulled out of Brazil's squad to face England at the weekend with a calf injury.

But Benitez is backing his side and believes his squad has the necessary quality to compensate for the loss of so many key players..

He added: "We have a better squad than people think.

"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."



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see also
Benayoun & Riera blow for Benitez
12 Nov 09 |  Liverpool
Reds keen to avoid Torres surgery
10 Nov 09 |  Liverpool
Liverpool 2-2 Birmingham
09 Nov 09 |  Premier League
Monday football as it happened
09 Nov 09 |  Football
Benitez defends Torres withdrawal
31 Oct 09 |  Liverpool


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