Rafa - Christmas is crucial

Spaniard sends out strong message to title contenders

By Rob Carragher   Last updated: 13th December 2008   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Rafa - Christmas is crucial

Benitez: High hopes

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Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez believes that his side will be odds-on to take the Premier League title if they can remain on top through the Christmas schedule.

The Reds currently sit just one point ahead of second-placed Chelsea, but with games against Hull, Newcastle and Bolton on the horizon, Benitez will be desperate to see his players go on and cement that position.

"If we can finish the Christmas period at the top of the table then we will have an 80 per cent possibility of winning the title," said the Spanish tactician, who won two Primera Liga titles during his time with Valencia.

"In the past in the second half of the season we have normally been better, stronger and that is why I think we can win the title. We have some important players not playing now.

"When they are fit they will be a good addition for the second half."

Confidence

Traditionally, the team that leads at Christmas time rarely goes on to win the Premier League title, but Benitez feels that his side stand well equipped to buck that trend as they are yet to play to their full potential.

"We have a lot of confidence and we think that if we can improve on two or three things then it will be easier to win some games," he added.

"We will have to see in two or three months. If you are doing well everyone has confidence, but if you lose one or two games, then you will see the reaction.

"I am happier to talk about the title now, because a month ago we needed to prove something.

"One month later we are proving to everyone that we can do it. It is always difficult and other teams have bigger squads and a lot of very expensive players, but we have confidence."

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