Benítez admits to keeping up morale

Another late 'ne: Fiorentina's Alberto Gilardino scores a late winner against Liverpool

Rafael Benítez has admitted that he has had to motivate and keep up the morale of the players after defeats in what seems to be a disappointing campaign.

Late goals, injuries to key players, poor results and controversial decisions have had detrimental effect on the squad.

After their 10th defeat of the season at Manchester United, the Reds' boss has admitted that following a defeat the morale of the players reaches a new low.

However, with Manchester City losing and Aston Villa drawing means Liverpool can afford no more slip-ups with Sunderland at the weekend.

And Benítez has taken note of Sunderland's main threat Darren Bent, who has had a good season with 20 strikes to his name in 31 league outings.

"Bent is a good player. He's always thinking about scoring and it could be a problem for us," said the Spaniard. 

"Twenty goals in the Premier League is a fantastic achievement. 

"They have some other good players and they showed good team spirit in the game in October. 

"I think they're improving a little bit now so it will be dangerous. 

"They will be working hard, they'll try to be organised and push and press and play counter-attack. 

"But playing at Anfield makes a big difference for us and we'll have to play well in front of our fans. 

"We have to get three points and then think about the next one."