Liverpool boss Benitez confident job safe

Rafa Benitez is confident his job is safe at Liverpool, despite their disappointing season.

The Spaniard is determined to prove his critics wrong by delivering his guarantee of fourth place in the Barclays Premier League and turning around a 1-0 deficit from their Europa League last-16, first leg.

It could be a pivotal week for the club as they face bottom side Portsmouth on Monday, host Lille in midweek and then travel to face Manchester United at Old Trafford the following Sunday.

"I don't feel under pressure. I am disappointed for the season but we can still fight and still improve," Benitez said. "Against Portsmouth we have to prove this determination and then afterwards against Lille.

"We know the season is not good enough. Every game will be important and the next one against Portsmouth is the most important as we try to get close to the top four.

"It is clear we cannot lose too many points so we have to start winning, beginning with this game.

"We know every game has to be like this but we have to have a good mentality to approach games in this way.

"Then we can go forward and start thinking about the Europa League when we have a 'cup final' against Lille. Every game in a knockout competition is like a final. That is the way."