THE ESSENTIAL

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez admits his side cannot afford any more mistakes in their battle to secure Champions League football next season.

Lucas Leiva is finally feeling happy about his decision to join Liverpool, although he accepts he is yet to win over the Anfield faithful.

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez looks set to be without Fabio Aurelio for two to three weeks after the defender picked up a thigh injury.

Liverpool forward Ryan Babel is hoping he can finally start producing on a consistent basis for the Reds following talks with Rafa Benitez.

Rafa Benitez believes Ryan Babel will hit top form now the transfer window is closed. The Dutchman was constantly linked with the Anfield exit door in January - something that Benitez believes was distracting. "If we play without the speculation surrounding Ryan Babel then I am sure it will be easier for him to focus and for me to play him," said the Spaniard. "So I think we will be better in attack and the team will be better."

Rafa Benitez has dismissed suggestions he is about to leave Liverpool for Juventus. The Italian side sacked manager Ciro Ferrara on Friday, leading many to speculate on Benitez's imminent arrival. However, the Spaniard said: "Contrary to reports in the Italian media this weekend, I want to make it absolutely clear I have no agreement with Juventus. I have not and will not be meeting Juventus or their representatives or any other club. I have a long-term contract with Liverpool and I'll repeat what I said on Friday that I am happy here and my only focus is to do my job as well as I can to get the team back into to the top four, beginning with the derby against Everton."

Ryan Babel's future at Liverpool remains unclear, with Rafael Benitez maintaining that the winger has said he does not want to leave the club.

Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva admits the Reds will have to win 'almost every game' if they are to achieve Champions League qualification.

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez will demand an explanation from Ryan Babel over the Dutchman's recent comments about quitting Anfield.

Javier Mascherano insists Liverpool will put everything into their Europa League campaign after crashing out of the Champions League.

TRANSFERS

Who? - Yossi Benayoun
Where is he? - Liverpool
Who is he linked with? - Dynamo Moscow
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Who? - Kenwyne Jones
Where is he? - Sunderland
Who is he linked with? - Liverpool
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