Hicks backs Benitez

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Benitez has been criticised for his selective use of blockbuster summer signing Fernando Torres so far this season and Wednesday night's 2-1 defeat by Besiktas left them bottom of their Champions League group.

But Hicks, who owns the club with fellow American George Gillett, told Sky Sports News: "We back Rafa. He's the right manager. Rafa's rotation has been his policy for three years. Rafa's ability to coach and manage in the Champions League should be unquestioned."

He added: "We had a disappointing loss because we got outplayed by the Turks. I think we have our work cut out, but yes we can qualify. We have to win the next three games."

Following the defeat in Istanbul, Benitez maintained his belief that the Reds could still qualify from Champions League Group A.

Having only drawn in Porto and lost at home to Marseille, Liverpool may even have problems qualifying for the UEFA Cup.

But a defiant Benitez said: "Obviously it is very difficult now for us to get through but I believe we still can. There are three games left and we must win all three, but we can do that.

"I was pleased with the performance, but we just could not take our chances. When you have 28 attempts on goal as the away side and nearly 60% of possession, that should usually be enough to win the match.

"We were punished for one mistake in the first half having had so many chances. Their goalkeeper was outstanding but we should have taken more of our chances."