Javier Mascherano has jumped to the defence of Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez. Benitez's position at Liverpool has come under fresh scrutiny after Tuesday's damaging home defeat to Lyon in the Champions League.

"The players play on the pitch, the manager can't talk to us, can't say how to play," Mascherano told Sky Sports News.

"We take the responsibility and we have to work on the pitch. I think it [the tactics] is working. That is not the problem, the problem is we are not playing as best we can.

"We have to try to win on Sunday and try to continue winning.

"We believe in all the squad and all the staff. Last season we were doing a very good season so we have to maybe remember that and try to win on Sunday."