Rafa pleased with squad

Last updated : 13 September 2005 By Al Campbell
The Reds will begin their defence of the European Cup tonight and although Rafael Benitez was unable to bring in all the players he wanted during the transfer window he still believes this season's squad is stronger than the one that triumphed so memorably in Istanbul last May.

Benitez said: "In my opinion we have a better team and a better squad. We still have some problems in some areas but we have to manage the situation until January.

"I don't want to think about winning the Champions League again or the pressure that comes with being champions. All I want to do is concentrate on the next game against Real Betis. We know it is going to be a difficult game, they have good players and even though they have some injury problems they have a good enough squad that other players can come in and do a job.

"We did a good job against Tottenham at the weekend and I'm looking for the same kind of performance against Betis, but with some goals this time."