A fortnight without a game was probably the last thing Rafael Benitez wanted after his unsteady Liverpool side finally hit form with three victories in a week.
But as the Anfield chief prepares for Saturday's home game with Portsmouth, he has been quick to ridicule those recent reports of a Liverpool crisis.
Benitez points out that Liverpool have played two games less than most of their rivals because of European commitments and that the Barclays Premiership table could look very different come the turn of the year.
He said: "There was talk of us being in crisis when we went out of the Carling Cup, but we proved that in the space of a week things can change for the better and the players deserve to be congratulated for getting back to winning ways with three straight victories.
"And defensively we are looking very strong again. We know we conceded a lot of goals against Chelsea and also two at Fulham, but recently we have got back into the habit of keeping clean sheets and that is important for our confidence.
"The style of football in the wins over West Ham, Anderlecht and Aston Villa impressed me. We controlled all three games, created lots of scoring opportunities and didn't really look like conceding a goal."
The Spaniard added: "We've won a couple of league games in a row now since the defeat to Fulham and we know we could soon be much higher in the table if we keep playing well and getting the results.
"As I have said before, the league table has a false look about it at present because we've played two games less than many teams. I can't look at the Premiership without thinking that our position isn't a true reflection of the season so far."
Liverpool are expected to beat teams like Portsmouth at Anfield, and next Wednesday they could complete their long journey into the last 16 of the Champions League if they avoid defeat at home to Real Betis.
Two more wins in five days would give Benitez much-needed breathing space before the January transfer window.
He said: "We want to be challenging towards the top end of the table as soon as possible and competing for places in the top four.
"We know it will not be easy because the Premiership is of a high standard this year and I honestly believe it's more difficult than ever to win games.
Dont you just love this guyOn Fri, 25 Nov 2005 19:28:52 GMT, Strawberry wrote in alt.sports.soccer.everton: Are you talking about ACAS then? This is an advisory and arbitration organisation and does some good things. The like of protecting women...
"There is a long way to go this season and a lot to work towards but if you were to ask me my target then the answer would be simple - to win the next game against Portsmouth."
