Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez downplayed questions of a rift with his Chelsea counterpart Jose Mourinho and is focused on securing more silverware for the Reds in the 2006-07 campaign.

The pair did not shake hands following yesterday's Community Shield match at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, which Liverpool won 2-1, and nor did they following last season's FA Cup semi-final.

This time Liverpool manager Benitez said: "He decided not to shake hands in the last game and this time he was behind me and he did not say anything.

"I was focusing on my team and my supporters and maybe he was thinking about his team and his supporters. For me it is not a problem. After the FA Cup he decided not to shake hands.

"But I am not thinking about this. I am thinking about my team and how to improve."

Chelsea boss Mourinho also dismissed their refusal to indulge in the normal post-match English courtesies, albeit inferring that Benitez had plenty of opportunity to offer his hand if he had so desired.

Mourinho said: "Football is 90 minutes. If we shake hands, if we kiss do you think that is important? I was on the pitch from the last whistle until the moment Liverpool received the cup. I was there the whole time."

Nevertheless, it left a sour taste after a match in which John Arne Riise put Liverpool ahead with a left-foot thunderbolt before Andriy Shevchenko equalised just before half-time.

Peter Crouch scored a deserved winner with a stooping header late in the second half to record Liverpool's third victory against Chelsea since Benitez took over two years ago.

Benitez said: "I'm happy. It was difficult for us. It is the beginning of the season and the team is not 100 per cent fit but their work-rate was fantastic.

"It is always important to win against top sides. To win another trophy is good for the confidence."