Let's turn Anfield into a fortress again - Rafa Benitez
LIVERPOOL boss Rafa Benitez has called on his players to step up a gear and turn Anfield into a fortress.
The Reds entertain Middlesbrough in their first Premier League home game of the season this afternoon and the Spaniard is desperate to see them build on last weekend's unconvincing 1-0 win at Sunderland.
Dropped points at home cost the Reds the chance of maintaining a title challenge last season as they drew six and lost one of their 19 home games.
Benitez wants to ensure this time around they aren't left playing catch-up.
"When you play at home you must play well because your fans are behind you," he said.
"We know that last season we drew some games we could have won and it is important to start by winning and keep the confidence high.
"I was really pleased after the second half at Sunderland because we were controlling the game, attacking and creating opportunities but we know we can improve."
The Reds will need to against Gareth Southgate's Middlesbrough side who defeated Spurs 2-1 at the Riverside last weekend.
"I think they were really good last season and Southgate is doing a fantastic job," Benitez added.
"They were well organised, know what to do and play a good counter attack. It will be a tough game as always in the Premier League. We know they beat Tottenham and they are a good team."
Benitez is hoping striker Fernando Torres will seal his place in the club's record books today when he aims to score in his ninth successive home league match.
If the Spain international is able to find the net he will break a record set by Roger Hunt back in the 1961/62 season.
"We hope Fernando can create his piece of club history, and then maybe more in the future," Benitez said.
"I think it will be difficult for him because everybody knows him much better now but he has quality and top players around him like Gerrard, Babel, Kuyt and Keane. It will be more difficult for the defenders to be just focused on Torres."
The Reds will be without defender Sami Hyypia after he picked up a hamstring injury playing for Finland in midweek.
But Benitez will have Dutch winger Ryan Babel back in the squad now he has returned from the Olympics.
Lucas is unavailable after playing in the Brazil side which won the bronze medal in Beijing yesterday while Javier Mascherano was set to be involved in today's Olympic final against Nigeria.
Meanwhile, reserve team striker Craig Lindfield has joined League Two outfit Bournemouth on loan until September 20.
The Wirral-born Academy product had loan spells at Notts County and Chester City
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