Rafa eager for Pompey boost

Rafael Benitez insists any victory will do as Liverpool look to return to winning ways against Portsmouth on Monday evening.

The boss admits winning matches is the only thing that matters as his side look to bolster their top four push against Pompey ahead of crunch clashes with Lille and Manchester United.

"I think I will have to guarantee now that we will work as hard as we did against Lille," said Benitez.

"At home against bottom team Portsmouth people will not just want a win, but a lot of goals.

"If we play well, 1-0 would be fantastic. You just have to win. It is an important week and Portsmouth have nothing to lose, so they are dangerous."

Liverpool's hopes of securing Champions League football were dealt a blow by a 1-0 reversal against Wigan Athletic last week, while they also slipped to defeat in the first leg of the last 16 Europa League tie with Lille on Thursday.

Benitez accepts it has been a disappointing season - but the Spaniard is adamant his side will continue to fight for a top four finish.

He said: "We were doing so well in the past, and it is sometimes difficult to keep this level. We were pushing and trying and every year improving in different areas.

"The Champions League, FA Cup, league - it's not easy to keep this level if you do not have the money that maybe other teams have.

"We cannot win the title, so we have to be ready for one game at a time and see if we can finish in the top four. It has been a disappointing season, but we can still fight and improve."

On press criticism following defeats against Wigan and Lille, Benitez added: "It doesn't matter what they say. The main thing for me is we have to perform, we have to win games, and we have to try to be in the top four."

Video: Rafa previews Pompey clash>>