Thaindian News

London, Jan 20 (ANI): Boss Rafa Benitez has admitted that must-win clash with Tottenham will make or break Liverpool’s season.

The Reds go into the Anfield showdown knowing victory would send them within a point of fourth-placed Spurs in the battle for a Champions League slot.

But defeat would leave Benitez’s boys seven points off the pace, with the positions of Aston Villa and Manchester City further strengthened, The Sun reports.

Benitez said: “We all know how important it is for us to win. There’s a big difference between being one point behind and seven. If Tottenham win, it will give them a buzz and a lift. They’ll have confidence.”

“But if we beat them we’ll be in a good position. We just have to work hard, show the character we did at Stoke and it’ll be easier to get the three points. If we can, it will be a totally different situation. So we will win and not consider the other options. We’re confident,” he added.

Meanwhile, skipper Gerrard insisted that he is as devoted to Liverpool as ever.

Rumours had circulated that the England midfielder had a showdown with Benitez at half-time during last week’s shock home FA Cup defeat by Reading.

“I’ve heard about a dozen versions and they’re all as daft as each other. Nothing happened, that’s a fact. We’ve all had a good laugh about it. In the time since he has been here, I have never had a problem with the manager or his staff,” he said.

“All the stories about me leaving are also unfounded. I am doing all I can to get back to top form and help Liverpool finish on a high,” Gerrard added. (ANI)