London, Nov 21 Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has silenced critics who have claimed that Manchester City can nick the Reds' place in the top four of the Premier League table.

Earlier, a survey of all the 20 Premier League managers, revealed that 80 per cent tipped Manchester City to shatter the league of the consistent top four following their big-spending this season.

With five league defeats this term, Liverpool is currently seventh placed in the league table, and is the most at threat of not toppling one of the big four, but Benitez reckons that City will find it hard to buy long-term success.

"I can tell you that I'm not in that 80 per cent! I am sure we will be in the top four and if we can keep the majority of players fit, I think you will all see the difference," The Sun quoted Benitez, as saying.

"Fernando Torres, Javier Mascherano, Martin Skrtel and Daniel Agger also had problems and that was too many good players out at the same time. But if we can keep them fit, it will be easier for us," he added.

Benitez also believes that in the long term you have to look at other things and bringing young blood in the team is the best way.

"It's not easy to do what City are doing. You saw it with Chelsea, when you spend big money and sign a lot of players. Maybe you can be successful like that, but for how long?" Benitez said.

"For the majority of other clubs, it's not easy because they don't have those amounts. So, you have to keep building little by little and be successful with the signings you make each year," he added. (ANI)