Hansen has increased faith in Redman Rafa

After Rafa's appointment over Summer, Hansen was one of several ex-Reds who questioned whether the cautious defensive football that Benitez was famous for would fit into the Liverpool style.

But Hansen now admits that his initial fears have been proven well and truly wrong.

He said: "He (Benitez) seems to understand that Liverpool fans need to see their team play a certain way. There has been enough evidence to show that Liverpool are now an attacking side to pacify those fans who had lost faith under Gerard Houllier. Benitez has the fans on his side - now for the hard part."

However, Hansen still maintained that the coming week could influence Benitez reign at Liverpool greatly.

Hansen added: "Rafael Benitez has done a great deal to change Liverpool during the six months he has been in charge, but if there was ever a week to measure the progress of his team then it is the one that awaits him now."