Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez admits his squad has weaknesses.

Some of Benitez's less-celebrated signings - the likes of Albert Riera, Ryan Babel, Philipp Degen and David Ngog - have failed to fully fill the void and that has cost the team valuable points.

"Everyone knows we have a good 11. You can see some good players on the bench but also others with less experience," said Benitez, whose side face Benfica in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final first leg in Lisbon tonight.

"When you talk about the league the depth in your squad is very important and we have had problems with injuries.

"It has been a difficult season for young players as well because they have had to perform on the pitch when the team is not doing well.

"The majority of the players have been fighting from the beginning but the problem in football is you can be working very hard but if you don't win people say you are not doing enough."