Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez believes there's been upside to his problems with the club's owners.

Co-owner Tom Hicks has admitted that he tried to lure Jurgen Klinsmann as Rafa's replacement.

The American has also denied that he is looking to sell his stake a year after taking over.

Now ahead of Monday's clash with Aston Villa, Kop boss Benitez insisted: "Maybe it has brought us even closer.

"When you play well and score five goals after a few draws, it shows the team spirit is much better and the confidence of the players is higher.

"And I know the best answer as a manager is to win games, now, always and forever."