I'm the Real thing, warns defiant Rafa

Rafael Benitez does not believe he is getting the respect he deserves for turning Liverpool into a European footballing superpower.

The Reds top UEFA's list of the best teams in Europe, but the Liverpool manager has been heavily criticised for his failure to mount a challenge for the Premier League.

Since the Spaniard took over in 2004, Liverpool have won their fifth European title, in 2005, and they reached the final again two years later.

They face Real Madrid in the second leg of their Champions League clash tonight, where they have a narrow 1-0 lead to defend at Anfield.

And Benitez says he deserves more credit for his achievement. He said: "You have to judge people on the job they are doing.

"I am happy for anyone to look at how we have progressed in my time at Liverpool.

"The team is improving all the time and the squad is now better than ever. We are closer to the Premier League title and going well in the Champions League again.

"The UEFA findings show we have the best record in Europe over the last five years. Yet some of the messages still coming my way are not the best.

"Maybe some people don't realise how difficult it is to keep succeeding in the Champions League but the facts are there for all to see. Anyone can see what I have done here."