Benitez calls for calm

Benitez: Refusing to get carried away

We can have a lot of confidence in ourselves but we must keep our feet on the ground

Rafa Benitez
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Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has reiterated the need for his side to keep their feet on the ground following short-term success.

The Reds, who received their perennial pre-season tip as Premier League title contenders, came in for criticism at the start of the campaign following a sluggish opening.

However, Benitez's side remain unbeaten in 12 games in all competitions and - prior to last weekend's two-goal comeback at Manchester City - have already recorded victories over Manchester United and Merseyside derby rivals Everton.

The Anfield outfit are currently sat level on points with Chelsea at the top of the table, but Benitez insists his squad must remain grounded.

"It's important to send the right messages," Benitez told the club's official website.

Confident

"We have a long, long way to go. We have to do things properly both now, in one month's time and in three months' time.

"We can have a lot of confidence in ourselves but we must keep our feet on the ground.

"We (the squad) were talking about this before, although we can enjoy being at the top of the table.

"But the players know we must keep going until the end. You can't win a title now - you can only win it at the end of the season."

Benitez has also backed Martin Skrtel to make a full recovery from the knee ligament injury the centre-back suffered at Eastlands.

Big loss

"It is a big loss for us because Martin has done very well for us since joining from Zenit St Petersburg," added Benitez.

"He was playing very well and we were very pleased with him so it is a real pity that he has got injured now.

"But we also know that it could have been worse and the fact that he could be back for our games towards the end of the year is positive for us.

"Martin has a very strong character and he trains hard so I am sure that when he does come back he will be the same player as before he got injured."