Benitez: Liverpool have made ‘massive’ progress

LIVERPOOL manager Rafael Benitez has launched a staunch defence of his record at the club as speculation about his future refuses to die down.

The Spaniard insists there have been huge improvements since he took over in the summer of 2004 and that he has restored pride among the staff and fans. However, this season Liverpool have already suffered early exits from the Champions League and the FA Cup and are only seventh in the Premier League, 14 points behind leaders Chelsea.

Should the club not qualify for the Champions League his position would become increasingly fragile and the names of potential candidates for his job are already cropping up.