Benitez waits for Liverpool to click

Manager Rafa Benitez said yesterday he was still waiting for Liverpool to move up a gear as they prepare for their crunch Champions League qualifier with Standard Liege.

Today's game follows a disappointing 0-0 draw in Belgium two weeks ago and some mediocre form in the Premier League, where late goals have yielded two victories and masked some poor performances.

"We were scoring lots of goals in pre-season and the team was improving. It was really pleasing," Benitez said.

"I thought we were in a good moment but we didn't play well in our last three games. That was clear."

Liverpool had been expected to enjoy an easy passage to the lucrative group stage when the Champions League draw was made.

Though their indifferent form has since raised a few question marks ahead of the Anfield game, Benitez was is no mood for contemplating a shock exit for the five-times champions.

"They were good in the first game but we were really poor. If we improve and play at our level it will be difficult for them," he said.