Martin Skrtel is glad that Rafa Benitez has been backed to turn around Liverpool's indifferent start to the season.
Defender delighted Spaniard has remained at Liverpool helm
Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel is glad that Rafa Benitez has been backed to turn around the Reds' indifferent start to the season and expects more new signings in the January transfer window to help do just that.
Last season's Premier League runners-up have seen this term's quest for honours nosedive into the abyss, leaving a top-four finish and a consolation Europa League trophy on offer in an otherwise forgettable campaign for the Anfield faithful.
The Merseysiders' adopted ambitions have stemmed from a woeful run which saw them exit all major cup competitions, and have their domestic title hopes ripped into shreds by November.
Inevitably, Liverpool boss Benitez has faced a barrage of criticism from the media and the Spaniard's tenure has been called into question with fierce negativity.
But the former Valencia man has defiantly guaranteed a UEFA Champions League berth next year despite strong competition from Man City, Tottenham and Aston Villa for the fourth-placed finish.
Indeed, Benitez's players have made headway in proving their manager right with crucial wins over Villa and Spurs, meaning Tuesday's clash at Wolves could see Liverpool jump into fourth in the table for the first time since September.
And to back up the Reds' recent resurgence - which could see them go five unbeaten in the league should they avoid defeat at Molineux - Skrtel has voiced his delight that his manager is still at the helm.
Crisis
"We were hit by some strange crisis," the Slovakian centre-back, who is expected to retain his place in the heart of the Liverpool defence on Tuesday evening, told
Deniksport of injuries to the likes of Steven Gerrard, Fernando Torres, Yossi Benayoun and Glen Johnson.
"We were very affected by the injuries to our key players, were losing points at the late stages of some fixtures and were not playing well - it all struck us altogether.
"I believe those days are behind us now and that everything has turned for the better with the win over Tottenham and that it will only get better and better. We have regained some self-confidence and will go higher in the table."
On the speculation of Benitez's position at the club Skrtel added: "It has been mulled over and over in the papers that he should go, but for me to sack the coach is only the last option and, personally, I am glad that the club management have not taken this option.
"They have put confidence in him, a new chance and, I will be repeating myself, I believe we have got ourselves from the worst already."
January signings
And Skrtel is confident Liverpool will bring in another face before the transfer deadline in six days' time.
"A lot of players have been mentioned in the press but we will see if any deal is made," said the Slovak, who has been looking onwards at the Reds' recent pursuit of Sunderland's Kenwyne Jones.
"So far only Maxi Rodriguez from Atletico has come and I believe it has not been the last signing."
