Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez says his team's amazing form surge has him SMILING.

"I was really pleased with my team," Benitez told liverpoolfc.tv.

"People said I wasn't smiling but I was really happy and I can guarantee you that I was really proud.

"Goal difference could be important so we knew before this game we needed to score goals if we wanted to reduce the difference. We are now in a better position but we still need to keep playing well and scoring goals.

"For me we can still improve. The team is playing with confidence but I still think we can improve.

"We have to approach every game now thinking about just to win and get the three points."

Asked if the international break has come at a bad time, Benitez said: "Yes, you know my thoughts and I am really disappointed but you cannot change the situation.

"Hopefully the players will come back with the same mentality and we can keep the momentum. We will talk with them while they are away and hopefully they will all come back fit."