Benitez: Focused on Standard Liege

Related links

Teams

• Liverpool

Also see

• Sky Sports experts
• Transfer Centre
• Super 6: Win £100k

Rafa Benitez is keeping his focus on Wednesday's UEFA Champions League qualifier against Standard Liege but admits he is working hard to try and improve the squad.

Liverpool must beat the Belgian champions at Anfield after being held to a goalless draw in the first leg.

Benitez does not want his preparations to be disrupted by speculation about the future of certain players, with the likes of Sami Hyypia, Jermaine Pennant and Xabi Alonso all linked with moves away from the club.

Asked if the trio would be in his squad for the match against Standard Liege, Benitez told Sky Sports News: "This time is always very difficult but they know how important this game is and everyone needs to be focusing just on the game."

Benitez also refused to comment on reports suggesting that Espanyol's Albert Riera could arrive before the close of the transfer window.

"It is the same situation, we are working hard on trying to improve the squad if possible but for now we are just concentrating on the game," he said.

Encouraged

Benitez has been busy strengthening his squad since the end of last season and Liverpool have started the Premier League campaign with back-to-back wins.

They have yet to find their best form but Benitez has been encouraged by the results and expects the performances to improve.

"We have a better squad and we were starting to play really well at the end of pre-season," he explained.

"Then we started playing bad but the only positive thing is that we are winning.

"It is really good if you can win without playing well, because it means that when you start to play well it will be easier.

"I am confident we will improve and if it is like this I am sure we will continue winning."