Benitez bullish despite Reds’ fading top-four hopes

LIVERPOOL manager Rafael Benitez has urged his players to still believe they can play Champions League football next season.

Sunday’s 1-1 draw at Birmingham further dented the Reds’ hopes of finishing fourth in the Barclays Premier League and winning a place at Europe’s top table next term.

Benitez’s side trail fourth-placed Manchester City by four points, and fifth-placed Tottenham by three, and they have played a game more than their two rivals.