London, Jan. 8 : Liverpool coach Rafa Benitez has rejected Manchester United counterpart Alex Ferguson's view that Liverpool does not have an outside chance of nailing the Premier League title because it is consumed by nerves.

Though bookies have rated Liverpool's chances as no better than third favourites behind Fergie's champions Manchester United and Chelsea, Benitez insisted: "I still believe we can improve and will have more options for the second half of the season - and more competition for each position."

"Martin Skrtel has not been playing, Javier Mascherano has been much better in the last few games, but before that was not at the level we know, and Steven Gerrard is improving too. We have Fernando Torres coming back now, and then you also look at someone like Lucas, who has done well," The Sun quoted Benitez, as saying.

"Torres just needs minutes on the pitch, while Fabio Aurelio and Skrtel need to play too. Clearly we are in a much better position than in past seasons," he added.

Liverpool's Dutch striker Dirk Kuyt said: "We are only going to get better and better."

Right-back Alvaro Arbeloa declared: "We have everything you need to win trophies - a good manager, great supporters and a belief in our ability. Soon we will hit top gear." (ANI)