Liverpool midfield enforcer Javier Mascherano insists that the club would be mad to sack Rafael Benitez.

The Reds take on Everton in the 121^st Merseyside derby on Sunday looking to get their season back on track after their dismal exit from the Champions League.

Mascherano has been the subject of a rumoured move to Barcelona, but the midfielder is adamant that the players and supporters are backing Benitez to bounce back with the club.

Mascherano said: "You can't talk about changing the manager, that would be crazy. The fans are right behind Rafa Benitez - and I know the players definitely are.

"We know you can't just take recent results into account. Liverpool have improved a lot over the last five years - and that is all down to Rafa. Remember, the club didn't qualify for the Champions League every year before he came to the club.

"The fact that people think it is normal for us to be in the Champions League and challenging for trophies is down to one man - the manager.

"There is a big disappointment that we suffered in Europe, but now we must start winning games in the league.

"Rafa signed a new contract only a few months ago. I think the players, the fans, the owners all believe in him."

Mascherano has urged the Reds to manufacture performances that will get them wins and the required points to get them in the top four. The Argentine international says he has not given up on winning the Premier League title and knows that a win at Goodison is crucial.

Mascherano said: "It is still not impossible to win the league, but our first job is to get back into the top four and qualify for the Champions League. When you see Chelsea winning all the time you have to accept that getting to the top will be very difficult for us, but our first job is to start winning games regularly and see what the future brings.

"It sounds stupid to talk about winning the League, but if Chelsea start to lose some games then maybe we will be given a chance to get back into it. At the moment, though, the aim must be the top four and it is down to the players to show we are the right players for Liverpool."

He added: "Liverpool expect to win every game because we are a top club. We cannot think of going to Everton to just draw. That would not be a good result for us in our position.

"We have to go there and win. We can't think about injuries or off-the-field distractions.

"We want to win for the fans and for Rafa Benitez. We know how special it is to beat Everton."