The manager admitted it was vital Liverpool marked the 50th anniversary celebrations of Bill Shankly’s arrival with maximum points.

Legends from the club’s great sides of the 1960s and 1970s were out in force at Anfield last night to celebrate the Scot’s legacy.

They formed a guard of honour to applaud the current players on before the start and were introduced to the crowd on the pitch at half-time.

"I think everyone here knows how important Bill Shankly was for the club,” Benitez added.

“He's a legend and to see all the former players around tonight was fantastic.

“In a top side it's always difficult because usually you've won trophies and this club is one of the biggest in the world.

“We talk of having to win here but I prefer that to fighting against relegation.”

Meanwhile, Wigan boss Roberto Martinez was left to rue Jason Scotland’s woeful miss 16 minutes from time.

The striker wasted the chance to equalise when he hammered his shot against the bar and Torres soon punished the Latics by wrapping up the points.

“I’ve got mixed feelings,” Martinez said.

“Their first goal was really soft and from a lapse in our concentration.

“I was pleased with the reaction after that. We created a few chances but the key moment was when Jason hit the bar.

“You could feel the anxiety around the ground and if that had gone in it would have been a different game.

“If you want to get something out of a game at Anfield then you have to take those kind of chances.

“I’m disappointed we didn’t get anything out of the performance.”