Boss: Pompey our sole focus

Rafael Benitez admits the festive period could be crucial to Liverpool's season but is adamant his side must take one game at a time - beginning with Portsmouth on Saturday.

The Reds travel to Fratton Park trailing fourth placed Aston Villa by five points, but the boss is keen to concentrate all his focus on the clash with the Barclays Premier League's bottom side and not the current standings.

"We always talk about this time of year as a crucial time," he told his pre-match press conference. "The main thing for us is to talk about one game at a time and try to win it.

"I know we have a good team and know we can finish in the top four. I have to believe because I can see the quality of the players.

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"We have been in the Champions League for five years in a row, so I think the fans have been really happy with the team and we will try to be there again. The only way to do that is to finish in the top four. But for now our target is Portsmouth."

The Reds take on a confident Pompey side tomorrow, following the recent improvement they have shown under new boss Avram Grant.

Benitez accepts the appointment of the Israeli will mean the Reds will face a stiffer test on the South coast and is eager to provide the travelling support with the best possible reward for what promises to be a long trip.

"It's very difficult because we have to go and play an early kick-off on Saturday but we are professionals so we will do it. It's really bad for our fans to go to Portsmouth at this time. Hopefully we can win and they can come back happier.

"Portsmouth are doing better now, they had some problems at the start of the season. Now they are doing better and have more confidence. It was difficult for Chelsea to beat them, so we know it will be a tough game.

"Avram Grant is a good manager with experience. He is a nice person, so hopefully he will do well after this game. They had problems earlier but his experience will be helpful."

Asked about his views on who should be the 2009 World Player of the Year, the boss joked: "One of my players. But really, I think it has to be a player who has been in finals and played to his maximum level. Maybe Messi because he had a fantastic season with Barcelona."

Click here to watch Rafa's pre-match press conference in full>>