Liverpool's Title Challenge Is Not Over, Insists Rafa Benitez

Rafa firmly believes the Reds can still win the title despite their shaky start to the campaign...

Rafa Benitez has asserted his belief that Liverpool can still mount a challenge for the Premier League title, despite last night's 3-1 home defeat by Aston Villa.

The Reds have now lost two of their opening three games, the same number of defeats they managed in the whole of last season, but the Spaniard is sure they can turn it around.

Before last night's encounter, Benitez had called on his charges to make Anfield a fortress as they seek their first league title in two decades, but too many defensive mistakes cost them dearly, and now the former Valencia supremo will have to pick up the pieces in time for this Saturday's vital clash with Bolton Wanderers.

He confirmed to BBC Sport: "We now know that we have to go to Bolton on Saturday and win. Everything could change if we do that, our confidence will improve.

"This squad is virtually the same as last season so I believe it is good enough to mount a title challenge."