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Rafael Benitez is refusing to believe the Premier League title battle is a two-horse race between Manchester United and Liverpool.
United are leading the way two points ahead of Benitez's Reds, but Aston Villa sit just five points behind the leaders with managerless Chelsea a further two points adrift.
Villa have been the surprise package so far this season and Benitez admits Martin O'Neill's men could be involved in the chase for the Premier League crown.
"Aston Villa are in a good position," said Benitez. "I think it's too soon to say it's a two-horse race. We have to keep going and then maybe at the end it could be down to two teams.
"I'm not surprised Villa are doing well because they have good players. They are working really hard and are in a good position, and that makes motivation for each game easier.
"The important thing is we are still in a fantastic position. The character of the players at Portsmouth was very good and the way we came back showed we have the right mentality. We have done that so many times this season.
"We have more confidence now because we are winning. If we keep winning it will be easier to keep our focus and keep going to the end."
Benitez also expressed his shock at Luiz Felipe Scolari's sudden departure from Chelsea on Monday.
The Spaniard was sad to hear the Brazilian had left his position at Stamford Bridge after just seven months at the helm.
"I was really surprised and disappointed," added Benitez. "He is a nice man, a fantastic manager and a good professional."
United are leading the way two points ahead of Benitez's Reds, but Aston Villa sit just five points behind the leaders with managerless Chelsea a further two points adrift.
Villa have been the surprise package so far this season and Benitez admits Martin O'Neill's men could be involved in the chase for the Premier League crown.
"Aston Villa are in a good position," said Benitez. "I think it's too soon to say it's a two-horse race. We have to keep going and then maybe at the end it could be down to two teams.
"I'm not surprised Villa are doing well because they have good players. They are working really hard and are in a good position, and that makes motivation for each game easier.
"The important thing is we are still in a fantastic position. The character of the players at Portsmouth was very good and the way we came back showed we have the right mentality. We have done that so many times this season.
"We have more confidence now because we are winning. If we keep winning it will be easier to keep our focus and keep going to the end."
Benitez also expressed his shock at Luiz Felipe Scolari's sudden departure from Chelsea on Monday.
The Spaniard was sad to hear the Brazilian had left his position at Stamford Bridge after just seven months at the helm.
"I was really surprised and disappointed," added Benitez. "He is a nice man, a fantastic manager and a good professional."
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