Rafa welcomes morale boost

Liverpool boss enjoys first three-point haul of 2008

By Peter Fraser   Last updated: 2nd February 2008

Benitez Rafa

Benitez: Frustrating times

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Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez believes his side's 3-0 win over Sunderland has gone some way towards easing the frustrations of the Anfield faithful.

The Reds have endured a torrid season as their form has slumped on the field, while behind the scenes speculation continues to rage.

Benitez's future on Merseyside has been called into doubt and Liverpool's American owner's George Gillett and Tom Hicks are rumoured to be looking to sell the club.

And Liverpool - who had not won a league game in 2008 - made hard work of Saturday's victory against the Black Cats, but second-half goals from Peter Crouch, Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard eventually earned the points.

However, under-pressure Benitez feels the victory will bring a welcome boost to the club's confidence.

"It was important to score the first goal, important to win and important to find our confidence," said Benitez.

"The fans were very patient. It was a frustrating first half but they stayed with us and in the end we gave them something to be happy about because they have not been getting the performances they deserve of late."