Rafa Benitez is adamant that Liverpool are still BPL title challengers, despite their 3-1 thumping at the hands of Aston Villa.

Liverpool have lost two of three in the league so far, equaling the number of losses they suffered last season, but Benitez insists that the Reds can bounce back.

The Spaniard had tried to rally his team to a win against Villa, calling his players to make Anfield impenetrable in their quest for their first BPL title in twenty years, but too many unforced errors cost the Reds, and their boss has the job of restoring normal service for this weekend's match against Bolton Wanderers.

Rafa confirmed to BBC Sport: "We now know that we have to go to Bolton on Saturday and win. Everything could change if we do that, our confidence will improve.

"This squad is virtually the same as last season so I believe it is good enough to mount a title challenge."