Rafael Benitez shrugged off concerns over new-look Liverpool's firepower after they failed to find the net in the Asia Trophy loss to Portsmouth.
Benitez blooded record signing Fernando Torres and Ryan Babel against Premiership opposition but Liverpool passed up multiple chances before going down 4-2 on penalties.
Torres and fellow newcomer Yossi Benayoun both missed from the spot but Benitez backed the summer signings to gel in time for the new Premier League season on Aug. 11.
"It's very difficult to analyse the physical condition of the players because it's too warm, but you could see positive signs," the coach said. "They were all trying to do positive things and also the understanding with their team-mates is something they will improve."
Benitez is under pressure to land the 18-time English champions' first league title since 1990 after a big-spending summer as Liverpool bid to keep pace with Manchester United and Chelsea.
But it was a depressingly familiar story for Liverpool fans as the Reds laid siege to the Portsmouth goal without breaking through.
Dutchman Dirk Kuyt and Torres both found ex-Liverpool goalkeeper David James in electric form, although Babel and Jermaine Pennant almost capitalized on a pair of blunders.
Torres, 23, showed an eye for goal and Babel looked dangerous in a double-Dutch combination with Kuyt, despite recently arriving from the under-20 World Cup.
"We have time and also the conditions will be different. Today I couldn't tell whether they were fit or not," Benitez said.
Benitez also praised a rejuvenated Harry Kewell, who joined the team after Australia's disappointing Asian Cup campaign and played 50 minutes before giving way to Torres.
"We know he has the pace and quality we need. To play two games in a row was difficult so I decided to change him, but I was really pleased with him," Benitez said.
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