Rafa Benitez has insisted that he does not need to bring silverware to Anfield in order to prove that Liverpool are successful.

The Merseyside giants were sent tumbling back to earth at the weekend when Fulham beat them 3-1 at Craven Cottage.

Benitez refuted claims that the team should be judged by the amount of trophies they win.

Speaking to the Sunday Mirror, the Spaniard said: "I don't agree when people say that you have to win trophies," he explained.

"I always say you have to be there, you have to be close, you have to create a group of players who can fight for trophies.

"We got 86 points last season, yet some people were saying that it wasn't good because we finished second."

Benitez also defended his record at the club and reckons the team has improved significantly since he took charge back in 2004.

He said: "Trophies mean a lot to everyone. But the most important thing is to see progression and evidence that you are improving and able to fight for trophies," he added.

"It's not just about one year. It is about what we can achieve in the future.

"People say that I have now been here five years. I say, look at the differences here now.

"Look at the value of the club before compared to the value of the club now.

"Look at the value of the squad before compared to the value of the squad now. You can see the progression."

Liverpool will take on Lyon in the UEFA Champions League in a game which they cannot afford to lose.

With the league title seemingly far from their grasp, Benitez will look to Europe as their best hope of securing a trophy this season.