Embattled Benitez defends reign

RAFAEL BENITEZ last night defended his reign as Liverpool manager with the Anfield club facing European oblivion.

If Liverpool lose their Champions League clash with Group E leaders Lyon in the Stade de Gerland tonight, they will be all but out of this season’s competition and Benitez knows the pressure on him will reach even greater heights.

A seventh defeat in eight games would be something Liverpool have not experienced since Bill Shankly’s appointment as manager, 50 years ago on December 1.