Pepe Reina has shouldered the blame for Liverpool's exit from the Champions League.
But the usually faultless Spanish keeper insists that he will bounce straight back, thanks in part to his desire to honour the victims of the Hillsborough tragedy.
Reina held his hands up yesterday to accept the total responsibility for Chelsea's first goal, which offered the London club a route back into the quarter-final tie when all had seemed lost for them.
But the Spain star believes that Liverpool's passion and spirit will be enough to see them come good in the league.
And after yesterday's memorial service to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster, he admitted that it is the thought of the 96 fans who died that is helping drive the team on.
Reina said: "We were lifted by the 96 souls at Chelsea - we were getting pushed by them.
"We tried everything to turn it around but in the end it was a pity.
"We are disappointed because we didn't get through, but the lads are proud of themselves.
"We have to be because we gave it our all but we just couldn't manage to do it. Whoever plays for Liverpool always plays with heart and soul. All we could give was passion with commitment and effort. We tried to do our best for the 96, and we almost did it."
Liverpool now have six games left to mount a title challenge, and Reina believes that the same spirit and desire will push leaders Manchester United to the limit.
He knows that the mistake early in the second half at Stamford Bridge was costly, but has received nothing but support from team-mates and fans after a magnificent season.
He said: "It was my mistake. I was too in the middle of the goal. I should have been closer to near post. I have to recognise it - that's the life of a goalkeeper.
"But we are still positive for the Premier League. We will never give up. We are Liverpool. That's our character and the way we all are. We will fight until the end. There are six games left and we have to win them all.
"It's in United's hands. We must try to win them and wait."
But the usually faultless Spanish keeper insists that he will bounce straight back, thanks in part to his desire to honour the victims of the Hillsborough tragedy.
Reina held his hands up yesterday to accept the total responsibility for Chelsea's first goal, which offered the London club a route back into the quarter-final tie when all had seemed lost for them.
But the Spain star believes that Liverpool's passion and spirit will be enough to see them come good in the league.
And after yesterday's memorial service to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster, he admitted that it is the thought of the 96 fans who died that is helping drive the team on.
Reina said: "We were lifted by the 96 souls at Chelsea - we were getting pushed by them.
"We tried everything to turn it around but in the end it was a pity.
"We are disappointed because we didn't get through, but the lads are proud of themselves.
"We have to be because we gave it our all but we just couldn't manage to do it. Whoever plays for Liverpool always plays with heart and soul. All we could give was passion with commitment and effort. We tried to do our best for the 96, and we almost did it."
Liverpool now have six games left to mount a title challenge, and Reina believes that the same spirit and desire will push leaders Manchester United to the limit.
He knows that the mistake early in the second half at Stamford Bridge was costly, but has received nothing but support from team-mates and fans after a magnificent season.
He said: "It was my mistake. I was too in the middle of the goal. I should have been closer to near post. I have to recognise it - that's the life of a goalkeeper.
"But we are still positive for the Premier League. We will never give up. We are Liverpool. That's our character and the way we all are. We will fight until the end. There are six games left and we have to win them all.
"It's in United's hands. We must try to win them and wait."
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