Babel keeps the faith

Ryan Babel insists Liverpool will never lose faith in the fight for fourth place in the Premier League and is aware it will be dangerous to dwell on the defeat to Wigan.

Hugo Rodallega's first-half goal at the DW Stadium on Monday ensured the under-fire Reds stayed in sixth position and now trail Tottenham and Manchester City by one point having played at least one more game than their rivals.

To make matters worse for Rafa Benitez's side, they also only lead seventh-placed Aston Villa by three points and Martin O'Neill's men have the luxury of three games in hand.

But Babel, a late substitute in his side's loss to Wigan, is refusing to throw in the towel as Liverpool prepare for next Monday's league meeting with Portsmouth at Anfield.

"We definitely still have faith we can get fourth place," the winger told Liverpool's official website.

"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.

"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."

Before Liverpool welcome Pompey, when Benitez will hope his team's struggles on Monday nights in recent years can be overcome, they must travel to Lille in the first leg of their Europa League last-16 clash on Thursday.

Babel is aware that it is vital to regain focus before taking on the Ligue 1 title contenders in order to rebuild some momentum.

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."

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