The Spaniard is still pinning his hopes on Manchester City and Tottenham collapsing in the final stages of the race for the final Champions League place.

A goalless draw at home to Fulham last Sunday dropped the Reds further off the pace and even when arch-rivals Manchester United did them a favour by beating City yesterday Spurs seized the advantage with a win over Chelsea.

Heading into tomorrow's match against West Ham at Anfield Benitez's side now trail fourth-placed Tottenham by eight points.

With four games remaining Liverpool can only reach a maximum of 68 points, which means they are relying on their rivals having a dreadful run-in.

But while it is still mathematically possible to secure Champions League football next season Benitez will keep believing.

With a Europa League semi-final against Atletico Madrid also to contest the Reds boss is confident they can still have a successful finale.

But he does not feel under any additional pressure to deliver just because co-owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett officially put the club up for sale on Friday.

"Everyone knows Liverpool are a top side and one bad season is not going to be changed by winning one or two games at the end," he said.

"Clearly the Europa League will bring some silverware but in terms of the value of the club it is massive so we don't need to think about one or two games.

"Always in football things can change in one week but we have to win our games.

"For us it is not difficult to concentrate on our job, it is just to win four games, get 12 points and see what happens.

"I think we deserved to win against Fulham but we couldn't so we have to make sure we do it against West Ham and in the other games."

With Benitez's "guarantee" of fourth place made back in December now looking a forlorn hope there is a greater incentive placed on beating Atletico over two legs, the first which is scheduled for Thursday providing the volcanic ash cloud disperses to allow the team to fly to Spain.

But the manager will not allow his players to be distracted by the prospect of a European final.

"As a manager you have to train and prepare the players properly and that is my job now," he said.

"For me it is very clear and very simple: first West Ham and then Atletico Madrid.

"A top side like Liverpool is always thinking about winning trophies. It is not the best season but hopefully we can improve until the end."

The restrictions on flying mean striker Fernando Torres is unlikely to feature against the Hammers as he is still waiting to travel back to Barcelona for an assessment on his knee by specialist Dr Ramon Cugat.

Benitez will not consider playing the Spain international until he has had another examination and circumstances have conspired against a swift solution.