Benitez primed for pivotal week
Rafael Benitez insists Liverpool must take full advantage of three key games in a week ahead of the distraction of a Champions League showdown with Inter Milan.
After Sunday's clash with Bolton, Liverpool play their long-awaited game in hand at home to West Ham on Wednesday, followed by next weekend's visit of Newcastle.
Benitez said: "We have three games in a week now before we play Inter Milan, and with such a chase on for fourth spot we know that every game now is crucial."
He added: "Aston Villa and Everton both want to play Champions League football, but so do we. It is crucial for us too so we will keep going and try to win every game.
"Now we have to be ready for our next game and try to win at Bolton.
"Then we have our game in hand, when West Ham are here on Wednesday, before we play Newcastle at Anfield next weekend. All these games are now very important to our objectives, we must keep going.
"We cannot afford to drop points, every game is important and we must reduce the gap on teams above us. We keep talking about our game in hand, so now it is here we must win it. That will put us in a better position."
Benitez has confidence in his squad, despite only winning two of their last eight league matches.
He said: "The players have experience of winning several games in a row. We have the squad to do it so now we need to start doing it.
"We also have experience now of playing at Bolton, where we have always had trouble. But we have confidence after our last two wins, and we can go there believing we can win."
