Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has defended vice-captain Jamie Carragher after a string of below par performances.

The Reds have allowed nine goals in six Premier League matches so far and home-grown hero Carragher has borne the brunt of the criticism.

The spotlight on his performance only intensified last weekend after a patchy game against West Ham - where Carra was given a torrid time by young Hammers prospect Zavon Hines.

However, Benitez has moved to take the pressure off his beleaguered star by stressing that it is the entire team who bear the responsibility for defending.

"We have conceded some goals and he has made some mistakes but Carra is okay," said the ex-Valencia boss.

"It is a question of the team defending better, not just one or two players."

Liverpool welcome Hull City to Anfield on Saturday, and although the visitors are in the midst of a three-game losing streak, Benitez is not taking the challenge lightly.

"We have to respect Hull because they were really good last year," he added.

"The comeback against them last year showed our character but we cannot make mistakes at the beginning of the game."