Rafa calls for reaction

Rafa Benitez today called for a response from his players after a disappointing display during the 1-0 defeat at Wigan on Monday.

The boss led training at Melwood this morning and emphasised the fact Liverpool have little room for error as they look to qualify for next season's Champions League.

Next up for the Reds is a Europa League last 16 tie in Lille on Thursday, when Benitez expects a very different performance from that witnessed at the DW Stadium.

He told Liverpoolfc.tv: "We are looking for a reaction. We know sometimes it's not easy when you have a game so soon - but it can be very positive. Hopefully we'll have the reaction and show on the pitch we are a strong side.

"Outside the pitch we have to keep focused and on the pitch we have to show we're ready to win and show we have the desire.

"We were talking about this today. The players know we weren't doing well and we have to improve.

"We have showed character and been strong in defence (in recent months) but we didn't show these things in the first half at Wigan.

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"Everyone knows it was a bad performance and we missed an opportunity. They know - they realise they didn't play well. And that's the positive thing - they know and so hopefully they can improve for the next game.

"Sometimes you have these games but the problem we have is that we don't have too much room for mistakes, so we have to perform now."

Benitez has spoken to friends in Valencia - who faced Lille in Europe earlier this season - ahead of Thursday's game.

He added: "Lille are a good team. People maybe don't know too much about them but we've spoken with people in Valencia, because they played one another, and we have reports from the scouts. We know they're a dangerous team with some ability.

"I have some friends at Valencia and they told me it was a very difficult game.

"They are good at home. Maybe in the last two games they haven't been at their level because I think they're maybe thinking about the Europa League - and that makes them even more dangerous.

"We will see a team with great motivation because they're playing Liverpool and it's an important competition for them.

"We have to be really, really focused. We cannot make the same mistakes as we did on Monday.

"We have to go, score and try to win if we can."

Rafa calls for a reaction>>