Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez admits the board's approach to Jurgen Klinsmann is still a source of frustration for him.

He told the People: "When you are trying to work hard and do your job it is hard to accept the criticism that is always following me.

"And, yes, it is a big surprise to see another manager in the background.

"But I keep going because I want to work for the team and the fans. But you cannot win everything - it is impossible.

"I am realistic enough to accept in the Premier League it will be really difficult to be in the top three. We will fight for the top four and see where we end up.

"So it could be important to us to progress in Europe because that would give us more confidence, particularly if we were to beat a team like Inter."