Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez says it is unfair to judge him on a lack of trophies.

The Spaniard believes during his tenure at Anfield that the Reds have enjoyed success even though it has not come in silverware form, however, he does admit that the number one goal has to be obtaining these desirable awards.

Since Benitez took over, Liverpool have won the European Champions League (2004/05), the FA Cup (2006) and the FA Community Shield (2006) and he pointed out that in the seasons they didn't win things, they still performed very well.

"This club has to win trophies, that is clear," said the Liverpool manager.

"But it's not fair to judge us simply on silverware when you consider we got to the Champions League final in Athens two years ago and then finished second in the league with 86 points last season.

"We broke our Premier League points record, but some people will still say 'oh, no trophies'. We got to Athens, but people may still say 'oh, no trophies'.

"The three years since we won the FA Cup haven't been too bad. Yes, it has to be better because we have to win trophies, but you cannot put Liverpool in the same category as some of the other clubs that have not been winning trophies in that time.

"When you are up near the top of the table and reaching the final of the Champions League, maybe it's not as bad as some people may think when you simply talk about trophies.

"If you want to win things you first have to have a good team and then be consistent.

"Finishing at the top of the table and reaching the latter stages of the Champions League each year - finals, semi-finals, quarter-finals - means we are consistent. That is the main thing for the future if we want to win trophies."