Benitez backing Carragher

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has jumped to the defence of under-fire Reds defender Jamie Carragher.

Carragher's form so far has come in for scrutiny after some below-par performances from Liverpool's defensive linchpin.
 
Liverpool have conceded nine goals in six Premier League matches and Carragher came in for criticism following last weekend's showing against West Ham.
 
Benitez insists he is happy with Carragher's form and stressed it was the whole side's responsibility to improve their defending.
 
"We have conceded some goals and he has made some mistakes but Carra is okay," said Benitez.
 
"It is a question of the team defending better, not just one or two players."
 
Liverpool face Hull City at Anfield on Saturday and Benitez is refusing to under-estimate the visitors despite their poor start to the campaign.
 
Hull earned a 2-2 draw at Liverpool last season, taking a two-goal lead before The Reds pegged them back and Benitez is not taking anything for granted against Phil Brown's struggling Tigers.
 
"We have to respect Hull because they were really good last year," added Benitez.
 
"The comeback against them last year showed our character but we cannot make mistakes at the beginning of the game."