Benitez - Confidence is shot

Reds boss reflects on a difficult season at Anfield

Benitez: Persevering

Rafa Benitez admits a long, hard slog has taken its toll on the mindset of his Liverpool players.

The Reds were tipped to be among those challenging for the Premier League title this term, having come so close to snatching the crown away from Manchester United last year.

However, they never got going, with untimely injuries and reports of financial turmoil undermining their efforts.

They were also unceremoniously dumped out of the UEFA Champions League at the group stages and are by no means guaranteed to return to that competition in 2010/11.

Benitez has been charged with the unenviable task of trying to keep spirits up throughout these difficult times, but the Spaniard has revealed that he is fighting a losing battle.

"We were not doing well at the beginning (of the season) and we lost a bit of confidence because we couldn't be contenders but you cannot change what has happened in the past," he said.

"If you analyse some games we were so close to winning and we lost and in the head of everyone it is not easy to manage.

"That small difference often means you lose three points or win three points."

Energy

Losing two of their first three league games sowed the seeds of doubt and Benitez admits his players have struggled to handle the pressure placed upon them.

"In two or three games you concede the gap is too big and then you cannot (change this) and you lose your confidence and that has been the situation this year," he added.

"This season has been very difficult because expectation was too high and once we lost one or two games it was more difficult mentally for everyone.

"We have had too many injuries to important players but if you put all these players together and are fully fit we play much better.

"We have to keep our confidence and energy and try to do our best until the end."