Benitez, meanwhile, has delivered a new year message to Liverpool fans following his return to work after operations on kidney stones.

He leads his side into 2009 with a three-point lead in the Barclays Premier League and in their best shape to win a title in the Premier League era.

But the manager has also warned that it is important his players build on what they have achieved in the first part of the season in order to deliver that first league title win to Anfield since 1990.

Benitez said: “To be going into a new year at the top of the Barclays Premier League table is a just reward for all the hard work the players and staff have put in this season. It’s great for the confidence of the players and for the supporters to see us at the top, but we know there is still a long way to go and that is why you won’t hear anybody at Liverpool talking about winning the title.

“We have had a good first half to the season, but that’s all it is. If we can do the same over the rest of the campaign then we will have a chance, but there are still lots of games to play and lots of points up for grabs before we can start talking about what the end of the season may bring.”

Liverpool’s only defeats so far this season have both come at White Hart Lane, where Tottenham knocked them out of the Carling Cup shortly after inflicting their only league defeat of the campaign so far.

However, it is a series of home draws that have left them in a vulnerable position at the top, with Chelsea still in striking distance and the likes of Manchester United, Arsenal and Aston Villa all ready to put the pressure on.

But Benitez is confident his side can rise to the challenge.

“We have had a few disappointing setbacks this season, particularly at Anfield, but we have also shown we can compete with and beat the best in the country,” he said.

“So there’s every reason to be confident as we look forward to 2009.

“The quality in our squad is better than it was 12 months ago, the new players who have arrived have all made a contribution and that is why I am confident we are continuing to make progress and are moving in the right direction as a club.”

He added: “A new year always brings new hopes and ambitions and dreams of a successful year.

“I can never guarantee we will win silverware, but I can promise we will all be working as hard as possible to make our collective ambitions come true.”