Rafa: Next step the hardest

Rafael Benitez believes Liverpool have made massive strides forward under his stewardship - but admits he now faces his biggest challenge as Reds boss.

The Spaniard helped the club mount their strongest title tilt since 1990 last season as Liverpool ended the campaign in second position with 86 points.

However, Benitez accepts turning his side from contenders into champions will be his toughest task.

"It is very easy to talk and more difficult to do things," the manager told reporters at a pre-match press conference at Melwood.

"When we arrived here five and half years ago, the club was at a good level - a top side with big names.

"If you want to talk about a scale from zero to ten, the club was about a six more or less.

"Now, I think we are an eight or nine. The difference between eight or nine and ten is a short step, but it is the most difficult one. That is the problem.

"We have grown and improved a lot. We were so close last season that everybody was expecting now to be our time, but sometimes it is more difficult.

"This short step is the most difficult, but some people don't realise this situation.

"Consistency is not easy for anyone, especially in football.

"We improved a lot and we were so close (last season) that people think we have to go one step forward - but this is the most difficult step."

Benitez acknowledges his charges haven't managed to replicate their form of 2008-09 so far this time around - but insisted everybody connected with the club shares a collective responsibility to try and turn the Reds' fortunes.

He added: "Everyone here knows it depends on us, the team and the staff. Everyone here - working at Melwood and Anfield - has to share the responsibility."

Liverpool take on top four contenders Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield on Wednesday evening, and Benitez acknowledges it is an important fixture in the race for Champions League football.

Victory for the Reds will move them to within one point of Spurs, who currently occupy fourth position in the Barclays Premier League table.

Click here to watch Rafa's pre-match press conference in full>>

"We know it is a crucial, important game," said the boss. "We are not playing well but if we beat Spurs we will be one point behind them, which would be really positive.

"They are in a better position now, but we have to do our job, especially at home.

"It is very important for us. One point behind will make it easier for us to keep people on their toes for the rest of the season.

"We have played a lot of important games over the last month and the players are ready and will try to do their best."

He continued: "They (Tottenham) have quality, some good players and have spent some money in the last few years.

"They are in a good position, but City and Villa will also be tough until the end of the season."

Liverpool defeated another side with top four aspirations - Aston Villa - away from home last month, and Benitez is eager for a similar outcome against Harry Redknapp's troops, who are unbeaten in their last six matches.

"We were in control of the game against Aston Villa, and hopefully we can do the same on Wednesday," he said.

"Our commitment and team spirit was very good at the weekend and that is the way to change things."

Tottenham's trip to Anfield will see ex-Reds Peter Crouch and Robbie Keane return to L4.

Asked about the threat posed by the duo, Benitez replied: "You never know. You can talk about which players have scored against you, but I am sure there are maybe 200 cases where a player didn't do anything against his former club. It is always more important when they score."

Liverpool head into the game on the back of a 1-1 draw with Stoke City on Saturday.

The Reds produced a battling display at the Britannia Stadium, but were forced to settle for a point after Robert Huth's 90^th minute goal cancelled out Sotirios Kyrgiakos' opener.

However, Benitez's side could have snatched all three points deep into injury-time had Dirk Kuyt's header found the back of the net rather than the woodwork.

"It was a pity. Clearly we had a very good chance after conceding," said the gaffer.

"But you know my idea - you can't change things and it is better to focus on the next game, which we will do."

The manager also paid tribute to the Liverpool fans who made the trip to Stoke and gave vociferous backing to the team

He said: "The fans realise we are working very hard. They backed us at half-time against Stoke, and it was the same at the end of the game.

"The fans know the best way to change things and improve is to back the team."