Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez admits he is excited about his current squad.

He believes his current line-up is better and stronger in all departments and he illustrated the point by nodding towards a framed picture of celebrating Liverpool players after their shoot-out triumph over AC Milan in the Champions League final three years ago, saying: "I have looked at that squad 20 times and I still shake my head and wonder how it all happened.

"There are no guarantees in football. The best team does not always win, but when you look at that photo, you realise how much better this squad is.

"It is even better than the one that reached the Champions League Final last season. The spine of the team has been strengthened and we also have young players of real quality challenging for places. We still need a bit more to be real contenders for the Premier League, but we are progressing and are so much better than before."