Benitez backs Martin Skrtel & Jamie Carragher

Rafa Benitez has tipped Anfield defensive duo Jamie Carragher and Martin Skrtel to return to the miserly form of last year, when the Liverpool defence only leaked 27 goals across the whole season and kept a staggering 20 clean sheets. With 12 goals already conceded after just eight games this term, and only one shut-out (during the 4-0 drubbing of Burnley), some critics have pointed to problems at the back as being a main contributor to the side's lacklustre start to the season.

But despite the scoreline, Benitez feels that the pair's performance in Sunday's 2-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge. "If you analyse the performance of the centre backs, it was clear to see they were much better and that was the positive thing to take from the game,” the Spaniard told the Liverpool Echo. "Skrtel is a really good player and Carra was doing better again; maybe you could say something about the second goal but the signs, for me, were much better."

As previously reported on The First Post, the Reds' defence has come into question this season already for their seeming inability to defend against set pieces, a problem that many observers have ascribed to the zonal marking system employed by Benitez which while successful in European competition, may not be as well suited to the different demands of the Premier League.

Both goals against the league leaders at the weekend came from open play, the result of inspirational approach play from a fired-up Chelsea, which the Liverpool manager acknowledged: "It was a difficult game for the central defenders to play and you know that when you come up against the top sides you must keep it tight. We paid for one mistake (in midfield) but, in the main, I was very pleased with the performances of Skrtel and Carra and they were doing the right things."

Meanwhile Benitez's preparations for the four games in eleven days that come after the international break have been thrown into confusion as the Anfield boss seeks clarification about the status of another of his defenders, Daniel Agger. The Dane is away with his national side, but sat out training yesterday as a precaution. With the manager's job potentially on the line if Liverpool falter in any of their crucial games, he will be hoping for all his players to return from international duty injury-free. ·