Benitez admits: I need to bring in new players if Liverpool are to challenge for the title

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has admitted he will have to bring in fresh faces this summer if the Merseysiders are going to challenge for honours next year.

The Reds' loss to Chelsea in the Champions League last week means their season is dwindling to a trophy-less conclusion and Benitez believes attracting new players to Anfield is the key if they want to be clased as serious contenders for the Premier League.

He said:"I think we have a good squad but always we will try to improve. We want to improve in the Premier League and get closer so we will need some players." Scroll down for more

Liverpool have today been linked with Aston Villa midfielder Gareth Barry with some reports suggesting Liverpool have tabled a formal bid for the player but Benitez was remaining tight-lipped on that particular situation.

"I read in the press a lot about players but we have no comment on that and we continue working," he added.

Benitez's side face Manchester City at Anfield on Sunday and the Spaniard expressed his sympathy for manager Sven Goran Eriksson who is heading for the Eastlands' exit door after falling out with owner Thaksin Shinawatra.

Eriksson has impressed many this season with how he has guided City into the top 10 but Shinawatra is not happy with the Swede's performance and although Eriksson is still nominally in charge of the club, it is the worst kept secret in sport that he will be on his way out as soon as the season finishes.

Benitez said:"They have had a very good season, they lost a few games so they missed out on a European spot but he was doing a very good job. and he has my sympathy.

"At the end of the day that is football. Everybody wants to win very, very soon and it is not easy.

"Arsene Wenger has been here 11 or 12 years, Ferguson 21 years so for winning trophies and creating a strong team you need time."