Rafa urges Liverpool to look to the future

RAFA BENITEZ has urged Liverpool to forget about their Champions League nightmare and focus on qualifying for next season's competition.

Last night's last-gasp 2-1 defeat against Fiorentina at Anfield completed a miserable group stage for the Reds with their six games yielding just seven points.

Alberto Gilardino's stoppage time strike was the third time in this season's competition Benitez's side have conceded a costly late goal.

The manager must now pick up his players for Sunday's crunch Premier League clash at home to Arsenal.

"It was a difficult game but we worked so hard and had chances to win," Benitez said.

"But in the last minute we conceded another goal and I'm really disappointed with the three late goals we have conceded in the group.

"I don't think it's a case of concentration. It's just a mistake and these things can happen.

"Next time we will be more worried and more focused.

"Before we were trying to see the positives and we had gone six games without losing with three clean sheets.

"I don't think this defeat will affect us and now we have to get ready to face Arsenal. That is a very important game for us and a win against one of our rivals can help us get closer to the top. It can be a new start for us."

There was some good news for Benitez with Alberto Aquilani playing 75 minutes on his first start for the club, while Fernando Torres looked sharp after coming off the bench 25 minutes from time.

It was the Spaniard's first appearance since the draw in Lyon over a month ago.

"To see Aquilani and Torres out there were positive things," Benitez said.

"I think Aquilani showed his quality. His touch was good and so was his vision and his passing. His match fitness is something he has to improve.

"I don't know who will start against Arsenal yet. We will have to see if everyone is available and see how they train over the next few days before we make a decision."

Benitez shrugged off the news that Liverpool won't be seeded when they enter the Europa League in the new year.

"We have to be ready for our next game and that's it," he said.

"At the end of the day we have to be strong and be prepared to win both home and away."

Fiorentina's victory meant they finished top of Group E and delighted manager Cesare Prandelli said: "I'm very proud. Despite all the players we had missing tonight the team didn't lose its strengths and that's very important to me. The late goal gave me tremendous joy, especially when I saw our supporters celebrating.

"It's very important to have played so well here at Anfield. Hopefully we can continue to grow. When you win against such a big team in such a great stadium it definitely builds your self-confidence. We must try to go on with this kind of spirit. I'm very happy."

This story has been reproduced from today's media. It does not necessarily represent the views or position of Liverpool Football Club.