Liverpool EchoRAFA BENITEZ does not feel under any additional pressure to deliver a fourth-place finish or Europa League success just because the club is now up for sale.
The Reds boss is still pinning his hopes on Manchester City and Tottenham collapsing in the final stages of the race for the final Champions League place.
A goalless draw at home to Fulham last Sunday dropped the Reds further off the pace and even when arch-rivals Manchester United did them a favour by beating City yesterday Spurs seized the advantage with a win over Chelsea.
Heading into tomorrowâs match against West Ham at Anfield Benitezâs side now trail fourth-placed Tottenham by eight points.
With four games remaining Liverpool can only reach a maximum of 68 points, which means they are relying on their rivals having a dreadful run-in.
But while it is still mathematically possible to secure Champions League football next season Benitez will keep believing.
With a Europa League semi-final against Atletico Madrid also to contest the Reds boss is confident they can still have a successful finale.
But he does not feel under any additional pressure to deliver just because co-owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett officially put the club up for sale on Friday.
âEveryone knows Liverpool are a top side and one bad season is not going to be changed by winning one or two games at the end,â he said.
âClearly the Europa League will bring some silverware but in terms of the value of the club it is massive so we donât need to think about one or two games.â
