Soto: Why Rafa is the best

Sotirios Kyrgiakos has spoken of his admiration for Rafael Benitez and believes he is the man to lead Liverpool to a top-four finish come the end of the season.

The Greece international claims he has learned a lot from working with Benitez, who he believes is on the way to guiding the Reds to Champions League qualification following Saturday's derby win.

"Rafa Benitez is the best manager I have played for," Kyrgiakos told Liverpoolfc.tv.

"He has won the Champions League for this club and I enjoy working for him. I have learned a lot from playing for Rafa and we want to play well in every game for him and this club.

"It was really important to win on Saturday for the confidence of the team. We want to be in the top four and this was a good win for us."

Kyrgiakos now starts a three-game domestic ban which includes Wednesday's trip to the Emirates Stadium.

Before his dismissal in the derby, the defender had played the last five games, with the team keeping four clean sheets in the process.

However, Kyrgiakos is confident the Reds can continue their winning momentum in London.

"Arsenal are a good team and it's going to be a very tough and difficult game," he added.

"The good thing is we have had some good results and we have belief, so we are confident going into it."

The Reds No.16 also believes the backing of the club's supporters can inspire the team to achieve their goals come May.

"I enjoy playing in front of the Liverpool supporters," he added.

"They respect me and they know I always try my best for them and the team. I want to give 100 per cent in every game and help this team.

"It's unbelievable when we hear our crowd singing 'You'll Never Walk Alone' but it's impossible to express your feelings and say just how good a feeling that gives you.

 "I am playing for the best team in Europe and I feel very honored to play for them."