No place for Baros in Champ League tie

The move is sure to set the rumour mill ablaze, with many believing the Anfield boss does not want the Czech striker cup tied, in order to sell him to the highest bidder prior to the start of the season.

And Benitez was in no mood to mince his words at the efforts of his attacking players last year.

"Last season our top goalscorers scored 13 goals and that isn't enough. The strikers always need to score more than 13 goals but I am confident that if we have better possession of the ball this season and play better football then they will have more chances," he told the club website.

But Benitez admitted that he has confidence with the attacking options for the coming campaign, adding, "We had a lot of problems last season with injuries to strikers but I am sure it will be different this year."