Masch issues Everton warning

Javier Mascherano has warned Liverpool must put their European disappointment behind them and focus on climbing the Barclays Premier League table ahead of this weekend's Merseyside derby.

The Reds make the short trek across Goodison Park on Sunday to go head-to-head with neighbours Everton, and Mascherano has called on his teammates to boost their top four prospects by picking up an important three points.
 
"We know that in the league we have got to start winning - and winning soon - as we are not in the top four," said the Argentina midfielder.
 
"This is strange for the club and the supporters because in the last four years we have always been in there, fighting for the title or to get into the Champions League and we need to start winning games, so that we can do that again.
 
"We know it is going to be very difficult on Sunday but this is a really important game for us and for our supporters and we have got to start winning in the league again by beating Everton."
 
Liverpool suffered heartbreak on Tuesday after they were eliminated from the Champions League despite beating Debrecen 1-0 in Budapest.
 
It means the Reds will be playing Europa League football in the New Year, but Mascherano insists Rafael Benitez's side won't suffer from a lack of motivation in the tournament.
 
"It's a strange feeling for everyone at the club," he added. "The Champions League is a special competition for us but it's gone and we must keep going.
 
"Now we are in another competition and we will do all we can to win that. There will be no problem with motivation. The motivation is simply to play for Liverpool.
 
"Liverpool deserve more from us and that is why we will do our best to win the Europa League."