Rafael Benitez admits both he and his team have made mistakes this season, but in a candid interview with radio journalists ahead of tonight's Benfica clash, the boss called on his troops to focus on securing a successful conclusion to 2009-10.

Video: Rafa and Dirk on Benfica>>

Liverpool go into the encounter with the Lisbon club aiming to overturn a 2-1 deficit from the Europa League quarter-final, first leg in Portugal last week and reach the last four of the competition.

In a 10-minute chat with radio journalists during the build-up to the game, Benitez revealed his determination to guide the Reds to trophy success and ensure a mixed campaign has a silver lining.

Journalist: It's an intriguing tie and it seems as though we're all set for another great European night here...

I think so. They are a top side in Europe and we saw they are a very good team. Hopefully it will be a very good night for us at Anfield.

Journalist: How do you go about preventing a side with the wealth of attacking options they have - such as Aimar, Cardozo and Di Maria - from scoring?

It's not easy. We have to consider that we may have to score more goals just in case. It's not just about thinking 1-0 will be enough. Maybe we will need more, so we will try to score some goals.

Journalist: As a manager, you look after the players, but you can share your players' frustration at a mixed season can't you?

Yes, 100 per cent because the manager plays every game. You lose, you win and you draw every game. Some players play, some don't, but the manager is always there. I think everybody knows the only way is to keep working hard, stick together now and analyse the situation for the future.

Journalist: Are you saying you've made mistakes?

Yes. Like everyone.

Journalist: Big mistakes?

Sometimes.

Journalist: Regrettable mistakes?

I think every manager will make mistakes. I will not say which team, but they've signed three or four wingers for £15m-£20m, or players who have been injured for the whole season. But, for example, we've signed one player that has had problems during the whole season and we cannot manage.

Journalist: How has Fernando Torres responded to being substituted at the weekend? I know you thought he had a problem with fatigue...

I didn't think he had a problem, I knew 100 per cent because he told us before the game.

Journalist: As a senior professional, he obviously doesn't want to be taken off, and players do get frustrated when they're playing don't they?

Every player wants to play every game, but the difference between players and managers is that the managers have to have a big picture. I think Ngog was good - the only thing he didn't do was score a goal and that's it. If he had scored, we would not be talking about this.

Video: Pre-Benfica press conference>>

Journalist: If as a manager you make a key decision, if you get it right everyone says what a good substitution it was...

Not everybody. Some people. Others will say it was lucky. You and I know they have an agenda and they will continue in this way, so now we have to focus on the Europa League.

Journalist: Do you feel your backs are up against the wall at this time as everything is riding on the Premier League and you go into a Europa League quarter-final trailing 2-1? Or do you look at it the other way and believe this situation can bring the best out of your players now?

To be in this position, playing the second leg at Anfield after losing 2-1, is a very good position. I know a lot of clubs who would be really pleased to be in the quarter-finals of the Europa League. It's not the best - you prefer to play in the Champions League - but when you are in this position, you have to try to win and try to get to the semi-finals and maybe the final. It's not as bad as some people think. In terms of the league, we are disappointed with our position but we have five games to play and we will see.

Journalist: Will you require one of your best defensive performances of the season against Benfica?

If you analyse the game last week, they didn't have too many clear chances, but they were attacking because we played 60 minutes with 10 players. They are a very offensive team who are doing well in the league and have confidence. But we are a strong team and the away goal could make a big difference, as will the fans.

Journalist: Do you like a fight?

Yes. Always.

Journalist: Do you feel the fans will help against Benfica?

I think the fans know it is an opportunity to win another trophy, so they will be pushing and supporting the players.

Journalist: Your strong home record can give you a psychological lift...

We know we have scored a lot of goals at home and we are playing well, especially in the last games. The players have confidence and we will see if we can manage well against a good team.

Journalist: A good victory against a side of Benfica's calibre could give you a massive lift in the remaining Premier League games...

Yes, it is clear every game is important now, so if we can play well and win, the players will go into Sunday's game against Fulham with a lot of confidence.

Journalist: Are you a happy manager at the moment?

I would like to be in a better position, but you have to be ready for the things that are coming.

Journalist: What's the latest squad news?

We have the same problems we had in terms of injuries. We have Skrtel, Kelly and Aurelio, and also Insua and Babel are not in the squad. The others players are in the squad.

Journalist: You've mentioned about going with three at the back. How serious an option is that?

We have to analyse carefully. We have two or three options who can play on the left - it could be Carra, Johnson or Agger. Or maybe we could play with three centre-backs, so it depends on the players available and how we can manage.

Journalist: How important will the referee be against Benfica?

Hopefully after the game we will not be talking about the referee and that will be very positive.