Benitez believes hard work will re-ignite Reds season

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez believes the team needs to work harder in order to dig themselves out of the current spate of losses that have plagued the club. Rafa concedes the Reds have not been at their best, but a win against bitter rivals United may swing their season around and give the team a much needed boost in confidence.

"I am sure our squad is much better than people think. If you have three, four or five players who normally start out injured, then you can't talk about the squad not being strong enough," said Benitez in his pre match press conference.

"I am sure if you take four or five players from United, Chelsea or Arsenal, it would be very difficult for them to win some games.

"Beating United last season is something positive we can use. Without Gerrard and Torres, the team was really good and the fans enjoyed the day - especially because we were without two very important players.

"So, if we have to do the same in this situation now, we can do it."

Benitez says a win will certainly boost their title aspirations and how important it is to reduce the points gap between the Reds and United.

"It's the best way - but it's not the only one. We think we can win and we'll talk about four points at the next press conference."

"I am really relaxed in terms on my position because I know how we are working on the pitch every day. In the past we were doing really good things and we haven't changed too much.

"It's a question of confidence. We know we have to improve but it's about winning the first game now.

"As a manager you know you will have good moments and bad moments. At this moment we know we have to improve, we have to win and it's a question of time - I'm sure once we win the first game everything will change.

"This game against United could be the right opportunity for us because it's a massive game against our rivals and the fans will be behind the team from the first minute until the last. We can change everything.

"We just need to keep working hard and perhaps need a bit of luck on the pitch. The other day against Lyon we were winning 1-0 and then had two or three chances but couldn't score the second goal. Then we lost in the last minute.

"Sometimes you need to play a little bit better, that's clear - but you also need to keep working hard and that little bit of luck."

Rafa also believes United have not been weakened by the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo.

"They are a good team with a lot of good players - not just one player."

"It will be a tough test for us but it's always like this."