Rafa: Frustration can help

Rafael Benitez believes Liverpool's Champions League frustration can help inspire his side to a top four finish this season.

The Reds bowed out of Europe's premier club competition on Wednesday evening with a 2-1 defeat to Fiorentina at Anfield.

It means Liverpool will contest the Europa League in the New Year, and while Benitez insists his charges will be determined to win the tournament, the manager is targeting an ascent up the Barclays Premier League over the coming months.

He said: "We will take it (the Europa League) seriously, but for us the main thing is to progress in the Premier League. To be in the top four.

"We do not play in the Europa League until February, so we will have plenty of time to concentrate on the Premier League. Another European competition is later.

"What has happened to us in the Champions League, the misfortunes, will be an experience the players will remember and it will give them strength and more determination to improve over the rest of the season.

"This has been a very disappointing Champions League campaign. Two late goals in matches against Lyon changed everything, and now it has happened again against Fiorentina.

"We knew we could not progress before the game, but to lose another late goal was very disappointing for the team, for everyone."

Liverpool play host to high-flying Arsenal at Anfield on Sunday, and Benitez is anticipating a different style of game to the clash with Fiorentina.

"I would expect a different approach on Sunday against Arsenal," he said. "It is always difficult approaching a game like Fiorentina knowing that whatever you do you cannot change the situation, we were already out.

"I hope that a new beginning, a new season, starts for us from this point. Now we must concentrate on Arsenal and try to do well on Sunday."

Despite acknowledging his disappointment at the manner of the defeat to Fiorentina, the boss believes there were some positives to be taken.

Alberto Aquilani made his full Liverpool debut, Fernando Torres returned from injury and Steven Gerrard played the entire 90 minutes against La Viola.

"Even though we lost, there were some good things to take into our next match," said Benitez.

"Alberto Aquilani and Fernando Torres both looked good, while Steven Gerrard is getting closer to full fitness.

"Gerrard is getting more games under his belt, Torres looked very positive and Aquilani played well and showed quality with his passes.

"It was also good to see young Dani Pacheco getting some time on the pitch in the first team, he is a young player of real potential. Both Torres and Aquilani are fit and will train hard for the rest of the week and they will be ready for the Arsenal match.''