Rafael Benitez today tried to rally his dejected troops after that deeply disapointing defeat at Wigan.
This season has seen one poor performance after another.
We are down in sixth and likely to remain there with an appalling nine defeats in the League already, this season.
Rafa under pressure
The future of the Manager is again under the spotlight as he tries to salvage something from the season by attempting to win the Europa League.
Liverpool travel to France to play Lille tomorrow night and a good performance is the very least the Anfield faithful will demand.
“Monday was an opportunity to get back in the top four in the league – an opportunity that was lost,” said the Spaniard. “We cannot change that but we have an opportunity now in the Europa League and must do our best.
“We have to approach every game thinking it is the most important game of the season. We have to be really focused.”
Benitez does not expect easy matches against the French outfit. But he believes a good performance and result will not only help them on their way to Europa League silverware but also aid their league performances.
“The players are keen to show what they can do. If we show the real character we have it will be easier for us to get a good result,” he said.
“Lille have some good players with ability and their form at home is good. It will be tough but we have to be ready.
“When a team is playing well it doesn’t really matter the competition you are in. It helps your confidence going into league matches.”
Yossi Benayoun is a doubt with an ankle injury, otherwise Rafa has a strong squad to choose from.
Liverpool team (from): Reina, Johnson, Degen, Agger, Carragher, Kyrgiakos, Insua, Gerrard, Lucas, Aquilani, Benayoun, Riera, Ngog, Kuyt, Torres, Cavalieri, Pacheco, Spearing, Darby, Babel, Kelly.
