Liverpool are aiming for a fourth successive win after losing two of their opening three games, and Benitez is convinced his players are regaining their confidence.

“I hope our team is beginning to take shape,” he says. “Now we have our confidence back and we must build on that and keep winning games.

“I am happier with the way things have improved. You can see from the mood in training sessions that the players have more confidence because they know we are starting to perform well again.

“People were saying we were going to win the title. Then we lost two games, as many as we lost all last season in the league, and some people – outside the club – were starting to panic.

“It was not easy for the fans at the time, and not easy for the staff and the players.

"But we were intent on sending out the right message and to getting over that opening spell quickly.

“We needed to show character and experience. And to see the bigger picture.

"We were told we could not afford to lose again because the title would be gone.

“But I never believed that, we needed to keep our heads and put the small details right.

“Little things can change players’ confidence, a late winner like at Bolton, and everyone feels a lot happier about things.”