Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez insists Sunday's meeting with Chelsea isn't a must-win game for their title aspirations.

"Winning against Aston Villa, I said we shouldn't get carried away. Now, this is just the second game. It is important to win, and especially against a top side because it sends a message, but it's just one game," the Spaniard told a press conference at Melwood on Thursday.

"I will be pleased if I see the team progressing. If we win as well, that's better. But if you want to be a real contender, it's not just about winning one game - you need to win many."

On how much Wednesday's game in the searing heat of Toulouse has taken out of his players, Benitez added: "I don't think it will have an effect. We have enough time and we can rotate some players if necessary, so it's not a problem.

"We have confidence because we know we can beat them."