Benitez says his team not at best

Benitez's side were given some nervy moments by Haifa

Rafael Benitez admitted Liverpool were not at their best as they qualified for the Champions League group stages.

"We created by far the most chances and deserve to go through," Benitez said after a 1-1 draw with Maccabi Haifa gave the Reds a 3-2 aggregate win.

"Maybe after the next few weeks and when the international break is over you will see a side that can progress.

"It's been hard to get the players to the same level of physical preparation. That has made things very difficult."

Interview: Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez

Maybe in Israel it would have been different Haifa coach Roni Levy

Haifa coach Roni Levy said Uefa's decision to switch the tie to Kiev due to the Middle East conflict had not helped his side.

"It was always going to be difficult for us with the way we had to play here in Kiev and not in Israel.

"At this level of competition, home advantage is crucial.

"Liverpool got a very late winner at Anfield because of their home backing, and we would have done much better had we been on home soil.

"Do not forget we were playing one of Europe's biggest clubs and held them to a draw.

"Maybe in Israel it would have been different."