Babel: Down but not out

Ryan Babel admits Liverpool were left bitterly disappointed by Monday's 1-0 defeat at Wigan Athletic – but the Dutchman insists the Reds' top four prospects shouldn't be written off.

Hugo Rodallega's first-half goal condemned Rafael Benitez's side to their first ever loss against the Latics and ensured they remain in sixth position in the Barclays Premier League table - a point behind Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City, both of whom have games in hand.

Babel acknowledges Liverpool's frustration at the reversal, but the forward, who was a second-half substitute at the DW Stadium, is confident the Reds can embark on another morale-boosting run as the season enters its latter stages.

"I think we made it difficult for ourselves," he said. "In the first half especially, there was space to play football but we failed to do it.

"Then they scored and it was difficult because they were staying behind the ball. In any away game it is hard to score two goals.

"We definitely still have faith we can get fourth place. It will be harder and it's important to get three points in every game, as it was before Wigan. That's why it is so disappointing to have lost.

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"It is frustrating that we had built up some confidence by winning games, but one game can spoil the confidence.

"The disappointment is very big for everybody, but we have to start again."

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez spoke of his dissatisfaction following the defeat at the DW Stadium - pinpointing a sloppy first-half display as a key reason for the reversal.

Babel admits the manager did not say much in the dressing room after the final whistle, though the 23-year-old revealed players and staff will review tapes of the game at Melwood on Tuesday.

"We will analyse the game and then we will know what his thoughts are," he said.

Liverpool resume action on Thursday with a trip to France to take on Lille in the first leg of the last 16 Europa League tie - and Babel is certain he and his teammates will be ready.

He added: "We have another important game on Thursday, so we have to be ready and prepared.

"We cannot be disappointed for too long. We will analyse and watch videos, like we always do, and I am sure we will be good for the game."