Benitez admits Gerrard lull

Rafael Benitez has conceded that Steven Gerrard has been below par at times this term but refutes claims that off-the-field incidents in the close-season have anything to do with the Liverpool skipper's dip in form.

The implications of the Reds' two league defeats against Tottenham and Aston Villa has become common knowledge in recent days and critics have pointed the finger at Anfield's talismanic captain as a cause for their recent shortcomings.

Even Benitez queried the collective lack of responsibility amongst his senior men after Monday's 3-1 defeat, but ahead of Saturday's trip to Bolton, the Spanish tactician insists the 29-year-old will be back to his scintillating best.

He said: "We have seen Steven playing really well for a while now. He is one of our big names, a key player. He will continue to be that.

"He will know that he has played a couple of games that are not up to his best level. But because he so often plays really well, people maybe can see the difference.

"I know he will be ready now. The players are not stupid, they know when they are not playing well and not up to their best standard. He knows, everybody knows here, that we have to improve."

Benitez rejected the theory that Gerrard's form has suffered after a difficult summer for the midfielder, involving a court case and acquittal following a nightclub incident last term.

He added: "For Steven that has not been a problem. I was not naming any particular player when I was critical after the defeat by Villa.

"But it is clear that everyone has to improve, we have analysed things and we have talked to all the players. The reaction from them has been very good.

"They have to show character and they have been working really hard during the week because that is the only way to change things.

"The team wants to show that we are good enough (to challenge for the title). But we know we can improve and I can guarantee that the players will be fighting hard from the very first minute.

"We have lost two games and we are very disappointed, but now we have the chance to change everything."

Benitez, who is concerned that critics have picked on soft targets like youngster Lucas rather than highlighting the failings of senior players they are friendly with, believes a couple of wins will change the atmosphere at Anfield.

"We have lost to two of the clubs who will be chasing the top four, Villa and Spurs, and there are good teams now trying to get into the top four. It will be more difficult for top sides now to win every game.

"People can be critical of our system and suggest we have been worked out. But everybody knows all the systems, it is nothing really new.

"It is not systems, it is the players out on the pitch. Maybe we do not have squad depth at the moment and there were youngsters on the bench, but we have three key players to return - Fabio Aurelio, Danny Agger and Alberto Aquilani - and that will make a difference."