Rafael Benitez has emerged from his most troubled week since assuming the reins at Liverpool to launch an impassioned defence of the club's progress under his stewardship, warning those who doubt his side's pedigree that they could yet overcome Barcelona and go on to emulate the Merseysiders' 2005 Champions League triumph.
Having witnessed Arsenal run riot at Anfield in the FA and League Cups in the space of a few days, Benitez was quick to stress that domestic knockout competitions were not his primary focus. Instead, he continues to crave success in the Premiership and European Cup, and, having insisted he is at one with the club's board over their transfer policy, believes his side can recover their poise this season.
"I did not come here to win the Carling Cup," insisted the Spaniard, whose team visit bottom-placed Watford in the league this afternoon. "I came here to win the Premiership and to win the Champions League. Of course, we would like to win every trophy if possible, but I wanted to ensure that the club progresses. Maybe, in one or two months, those people criticising us now will see us winning against Barcelona and will be wondering whether we are going to win the Champions League again. They must be careful.
"When we were 11th in the league, people were saying we were a club in crisis, but I always had confidence. I think we will end up closer to the top two. When I decided to come here, it was because I thought we could move forward. We've won four trophies in two-and-half years, so we're moving in the right direction."
He was quick to reject criticisms of his team selection - key players were rested - against a second-string Arsenal side on Tuesday. "As manager, I have a responsibility. I pick the best team in my opinion to win a particular game, but I am also thinking about the future of the club, and the future of this club is not about progressing to the semi-finals of the League Cup. It's to win the Premiership or the Champions League.
"In the next month we'll play Chelsea and Manchester United, and Barcelona in Europe, so to risk some players in the hope that you progress in the League Cup rather than keep them for these bigger games makes no sense. You have already seen Mohamed Sissoko and now Luis Garcia injured in the Carling Cup this season.
"We were in the final of the League Cup two years ago but no one remembers that season for that. They remember that season because we won the Champions League. In the last few years, what we achieved in Europe was the reason we had enough money to buy Xabi Alonso, Sissoko, Peter Crouch or Jose Reina."
Benitez's immediate reaction to the 6-3 defeat, the club's worst at home in 77 years, had been to express frustration at the length of time it took his board to complete signings. While there has been no progress in the pursuit of Blackburn's Lucas Neill or the West Ham midfielder Javier Mascherano, Liverpool completed three transfers this week with the long-term in mind. The Argentinian winger Sebastian Leto will move from Lanus and will join Emiliano Insua, from Boca Juniors, and Sampdoria's Italy under-21 goalkeeper Danielle Padelli at Anfield.
The manager was particularly pleased to secure Leto, who had been pursued by Real Betis, Sevilla, River Plate and Getafe, and counts the club's scouting department - emulating Arsenal's emphasis on signing youth - as his principal hope in hauling in the likes of Chelsea and Manchester United. "We spent €150,000 on the 18-month loan fee for Insua, so it's not big money but shows we're doing the right things quickly," he added. "Other clubs wanted those three players, so the fact that we got them shows we are moving faster than our rivals.
"The spine of my team is done and the value of my squad has doubled or tripled since I came here. I am working really hard, with my staff, the board, the chairman and the chief executive, because we all want the best for this club."
Guardian Service
