Rafa remains optimistic

Rafa Benitez believes an injury-free run of matches will be key to helping Liverpool turn their fortunes and continue to fight for a top four finish.

The Reds suffered their seventh Barclays Premier League defeat of the season to Portsmouth on Saturday.

However, though frustrated by the 2-0 Fratton Park reversal, the boss remains confident his charges have the quality to secure a place in the top four come May. 

"We always knew the battle for fourth would be difficult but we know we can play well," Benitez said.

"We know we have the quality, it's just a question of belief. When the players have a run of games together we will improve.

"It's tough when you have just lost and really disappointing, but if you analyse the game against Portsmouth carefully in the first half we had plenty of possession and were in control of the game.

"We started the game with real intensity but made a mistake for their first goal and paid for it. We have to defend better."

Liverpool were forced to play the second-half against Pompey with 10 men after Javier Mascherano was sent off just before the interval.

Benitez added: "After the sending off everything changed.

"We had to go forward and leave spaces which meant they could play on the counter attack. It was really difficult for us.

"We were making some mistakes with our passing and were anxious. 

"Everybody has to be disappointed but we have to stick together and be ready for the next game. We must try to get three points and see what happens after that."