Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez claims he has a stronger squad to work with than last season, but will still look to raid the market in January.

The Reds produced a stunning fightback to win last season's UEFA Champions League, with many expecting the Anfield giants to carry on progressing in the new campaign.

Benitez made a number of signings in the summer, but missed out on a couple of targets, most notably a central defender, and admits he still needs to add pieces to the jigsaw in January.

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

Liverpool start the defence of their Champions League crown at Real Betis on Tuesday and the Spanish tactician feels it will be tough to claim European glory once again.

"I don't want to think about winning the Champions League again or the pressure that comes with being champions," he added. "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."

 

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