Rafa expects more competition

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has revealed how he feels the gap between the “top four” and the rest of the Premier Legaue will be closed considerably this season with the strengthening of Aston Villa, Tottenham and Man City.

As the Spaniard prepares his players for their opening league game away to Tottenham this Sunday, he says he expects the Reds’ opponents to be challenging higher up the table this campaign.

Aston Villa, Tottenham and City will be very close because they have good players and managers with experience. It will be very entertaining this year,” Benitez told reporters.

“Harry Redknapp has experience and a good team. They have spent some money too and he knows the league. It will be a tough game for us.”

Benitez also pointed to the threat posed by Manchester City who have enjoyed a big summer spending spree of close to £100million.

He added, “City are doing really well. They are signing very good players with experience in the Premier League. I can see them improving massively. They will be a threat and a problem, especially for United as they are a local rival. I am sure they will be working really hard and close to the top four.”