Benitez said: "When I arrived at Valencia people said it was difficult to win the league in the first season.
"I won't say it will be the same here, but I will fight hard. We need time, but perhaps we have a surprise for the supporters.
"The message to the fans is the same as to the players. We have to work hard and have the good mentality that there has always been at Liverpool.
"Last year they worked hard, but we have to improve because we want to be at the top."
Can Benitez win the title in his first year? Click here to discuss