Rafa Benitez has given his backing to Steven Gerrard following the Liverpool skipper's admission that not even winning the UEFA Champions League would make up for a disappointing Premier League campaign.

Liverpool have once again impressed in the Champions League this season and are well placed to advance to the quarter-finals.

But Gerrard this week insisted that finishing fifth in the league would be unacceptable regardless of what happens in Europe.

His comments were interpreted in some quarters as an attack on Benitez but the Reds boss maintains that he can understand Gerrard's point of view.

Benitez has dismissed any talk of a rift and is satisfied that Gerrard will continue to show his full commitment in both the Champions League and the Premier League.

He said: "My relationship with Steven is very good. I was talking with him today before training after reading his interview in our magazine. It was clear what he was saying and everybody feels the same way.

"We must progress in the Champions League, and Steven has told me how amazing it was to win it and how important that medal is to him.

"Now he wants to win the Champions League and to finish fourth in the league.