Rafa Benitez has backed Liverpool to win both the Premier League and Champions League this season after the Reds set up a semi-final clash with FC Barcelona.

Jurgen Klopp 's side currently lead the table by two points but have played a game more than reigning champions Manchester City, who were knocked out of the continental competition themselves by Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday night.

Benitez was Liverpool 's manager when they famously last won the Champions League back in 2005 against AC Milan, while he also oversaw their victory over the Catalans the last time they faced the Reds in Europe back in 2007.

Jerzy Dudek, Rafael Benitez and Steven Gerrard with the Champions League trophy
Jerzy Dudek, Rafael Benitez and Steven Gerrard with the Champions League trophy

 

Meanwhile, the Spaniard could actually derail his former club's title bid with his Newcastle United side, who are not yet safe from relegation, hosting the Reds in the penultimate game of the Premier League season in a game sandwiched between the first and second leg of their meetings with Barcelona.

But with Benitez a big fan of Liverpool manager Klopp, he believes his former side is fully capable of winning both the Premier League and Champions League this season.

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"Klopp is doing a great job at Anfield," he told Marca . "They are in that position because they deserve it.

"Last weekend I watched the game against Chelsea and they play with an intensity and an impressive level.

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"They are a clear contender to win both titles and have the potential to do it."