Liverpool go into the run-in with a greater level of stability than at any stage during the season.
Benitez ended speculation over his future by signing a five-year deal last month while skipper Steven Gerrard yesterday agreed a two-year extension that ties him to the club until 2013.
And the Anfield manager says: “It will send a very, very positive message to the players that we have the commitment of Gerrard and that means we can go forward and keep a strong team. You can concentrate on football.
“It is better for the players, for us, for the fans if we know the situation but all of them are under contract so it’s not a problem.
“It was the right moment because everyone is pushing in the right direction. I’ve been talking to a lot of agents for a week.”
Benitez’s working relationship with Gerrard has at times been questioned in the past, but the manager believes the duo now have a much better understanding of each other.
“A manager cannot be a friend of the players, that will be a mistake,” says Benitez. “But you have to have a good relationship with them and they have to trust you.
“The relationship has been good and because he is more mature he can see the big picture, he can see my points of view in a different way and that’s very positive for me and for him and the team.
“You have a responsibility. You have a lot of players and you have to be careful how you treat every one.
“Gerrard is someone that is the captain, he is a leader, you have to be close to him but another time with another manager they were very, very close and I think you have to keep a little bit of distance because it’s part of the business now.”
One player whose Anfield career remains uncertain is Daniel Agger. The Dane cast further doubt over his plans during the week, but Benitez is confident the centre-back will stay.
“I was talking with Agger yesterday and my conversation with him was very positive,” he says. “He wants to play for us and win trophies with us.
“I’m not trying to sign players to be with me but to be with the club. That is very clear. I’m trying to do the best for the club and to send out this message of a stability and continuity is good for the club.”
Javier Mascherano, who is suspended for Wednesday’s Champions League clash, is almost certain to start this evening despite having only arrived back in England yesterday from international duty.
The midfielder was part of the Argentina side that was thrashed 6-1 at high altitude in their World Cup qualifier in Bolivia on Wednesday.
And Benitez adds: “Mascherano will head straight to London. We know he is okay but physically we haven’t seen him yet.
“I’ve not talked to him yet but I have experience with players coming from Bolivia and it’s very difficult.”
Yossi Benayoun (calf) is a doubt for this evening’s game and Sami Hyypia (thigh) is definitely out, although the Finn is expected to be fit for the Chelsea game.
