Boss warns players

Liverpool went top of the league when they beat Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday. However, that will count for nothing if they slip up against Portsmouth tonight or against Spurs at the weekend.

"It's a crucial week for us because we are, for the first time, at the top of the table. Everyone is looking for our reaction," said Benitez.

"We are playing against two tough teams with good players and we have to concentrate only on the teams and the three points - nothing else.

"Beating Manchester United and Chelsea has shown the character of the team this year. I cannot hide this but that's it - we know how difficult it is to win titles and we have to keep going.

"If we want to stay at the top we need to win the next game.

"The team is playing well and has confidence, but as for anything else, well we just have to prepare for games."