Rafa Benitez believes he was right to pledge that Liverpool would finish in the top four in the Premier League.
The Spaniard declared earlier this month that he could 'guarantee' his side's qualification for next season's Champions League.
The pledge came despite a disappointing start to the current campaign which has left Liverpool seventh at the halfway point.
And Benitez's choice of phrase has been questioned by critics who think he should not make promises he is not certain to keep.
He, however, has defended himself by insisting he has no option but to be positive.
Benitez feels Liverpool are strong enough to climb the table over the next few months and is not backing down over his previous statement.
"People keep asking me why I say categorically that we will be in the top four - but what do you expect from me?" said Benitez.
"I have to say that. We have confidence and we have to do it because we are a top side."