Rafael Benítez believes it is premature to describe the Premier League title race as a straight fight between his Liverpool team and Manchester United due to Aston Villa's impressive rise under Martin O'Neill.
Liverpool have re-established their title challenge, and their confidence, according to Benítez, with dramatic late victories in their last two league fixtures, against Portsmouth and Chelsea. They remain only two points behind the leaders United, albeit having played a game more, and three clear of Villa. And Benítez believes all three clubs harbour realistic prospects of lifting the trophy in May.
"I think it's too soon to say it's a two-horse race. We have to keep going and then maybe at the end it could be down to two teams," the Liverpool manager said. "Aston Villa are in a good position also. I'm not surprised Villa are doing well because they have good players. They are working really hard and are in a good position, and that makes motivation for each game easier.
"The important thing is we are still in a fantastic position. The character of [our] players at Portsmouth was very good and the way we came back showed we have the right mentality. We have done that so many times this season. We have more confidence now because we are winning. If we keep winning it will be easier to keep our focus and keep going to the end."
Benítez has also reiterated his praise for David Ngog's performance at Fratton Park on Saturday, despite the French striker making little impact in the 56 minutes before he was replaced by Dirk Kuyt. "I thought the young players did well," he said. "It was a difficult match for David Ngog, who was making his first start, but I thought he was good. Other players showed quality as well and I was pleased with them. The important thing was to go into this break after a win because we know that can affect the mood of everyone before we play again against Manchester City."
The Liverpool manager has also expressed his disappointment at Chelsea's decision to dispense with Luiz Felipe Scolari's services on Monday. "I was really surprised and disappointed," said Benítez. "He is a nice man, a fantastic manager and a good professional."
