Reality bites for beleaguered Rafa

RAFAEL BENITEZ has for the first time played down Liverpool’s title dreams and asked for “realism” as the club fight to end a run of disastrous results.

Liverpool are 11 points behind leaders Chelsea following Monday night’s 2-2 home draw with Birmingham.

Benitez’s side have won only one of their last nine matches in all competitions, and just one of their last five in the Barclays Premier League.