Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez doesn't want to hear title talk from his players.

"It's great for the confidence of the players and for the supporters to see us at the top, but we know there is still a long way to go and that is why you won't hear anybody at Liverpool talking about winning the title," he told the club's official website.

"We have had a good first half to the season, but that's all it is.

"If we can do the same over the rest of the campaign then we will have a chance, but there are still lots of games to play and lots of points up for grabs before we can start talking about what the end of the season may bring.

"We have had a few disappointing setbacks this season, particularly at Anfield, but we have also shown we can compete with and beat the best in the country, so there's every reason to be confident as we look forward to 2009.

"The quality in our squad is better than it was 12 months ago, the new players who have arrived have all made a contribution, and that is why I am confident we are continuing to make progress and are moving in the right direction as a club."