Liverpool lost 1-0 in August, just weeks into his tenure at Anfield, and play Bolton again on Saturday as the teams fight it out for the final Champions League spot along with Everton.

"I have learned a lot about English football since that day," he told reporters on Friday.

"I remember the game against Bolton and the different way FIFA's rules are used.

"I learned then you can have your feet over the line or in the air when you send the ball into the penalty area from a throw in.

"I learned that if you are a defender and you hit your nose into an attackers elbow it will be a free kick against you.

"And I learned that it is okay to have players standing in the six yard box to stop the keeper jumping for the ball at corners. They are obviously there just to get a closer look at the game."

Sam Allardyce's Bolton team have been heavily criticised for their robust style of play but Benitez is nevertheless full of admiration for his personal friend midfielder Fernando Hierro.

The 37-year-old ex-Real Madrid defender has enjoyed a successful season with Bolton and is thinking of retiring at the end of the campaign but Benitez has urged him to play on.

"He can play more years if he wants to," said Benitez.

"With his quality and positioning it does not matter about his age.

"I am not surprised he has done well in England because he was one of the best players Real Madrid has ever had.

"I talked with him before he came to England and he choose Bolton because for him it was not about the money but the desire to play.

"He has so many good qualities. He is always in the right position, is good in the air and has a powerful shot."