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 August 11.

"It's very difficult to analyse the physical condition of the players because it's too warm, but you could see positive signs," said the coach.

"They were all trying to do positive things and also the understanding with their teammates 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 'keeper David James in electric form, although Babel and Jermaine Pennant almost capitalised 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.

"They were maybe a little bit below the others but not too much. One or two weeks will be enough.

"It's clear we need to improve but we played well, we created chances and we had plenty of possession and good ideas. I think we are okay but we need to be a bit fitter."

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.

Liverpool beat Hong Kong's South China 3-1 in the semifinal but were outscored by Fulham who put four past the minnows in the match for third place.