 RAFA BENITEZ'S response to Liverpool's recent goals per game ratio is the same as Jose Mourinho's when he considers how many divers he wants in his team. One is not enough. Liverpool's lack of finishing power provoked a rare, public twitch of frustration from the manager last weekend. Benitez recognises the pressing need for greater strikepower. He also knows he must get the best out of what he's got rather than undermine the confidence of his forwards. The season began with speeches defending the honour of Peter Crouch and has continued with Fernando Morientes prolonging the 'he'll come good' theme. The Spanish boss is absolute in his conviction both have contributed to an improvement which could see Liverpool match last season's Premiership points tally tomorrow. Even so, Benitez accepts where the next stage of improvement must come from. "This year the statistics show we have conceded one goal more than Chelsea but they've scored around 20 more than us," explains Benitez. "For sure, this is the difference between us and them, but you know how much money they've spent on quality players. It's easier for them." Bridging the goal gap is top of Benitez's agenda ahead of next season, but there's plenty to play for until then. Crouch should be itching to play after his England success, and Benitez senses Robbie Fowler is edging closer to the required fitness level. Fowler has been working closely with Pako Ayesteran, and Benitez is hoping the Reds will reap the reward from the player's lack of domestic football over the last three weeks. "Robbie is improving. He's been working on his physical condition and the training sessions have been really good for him," said Benitez. "He is much better now. We've been focusing specifically on his stamina levels. Pako Ayesteran knows exactly how much Robbie must run and when. | 
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