Match Report: Liverpool 4 - 1 Benfica

Fernando Torres struck twice as Liverpool produced a devastating attacking performance to power past Benfica into the Europa League semi-finals tonight.

Dirk Kuyt and Lucas were also on target on a pulsating night at Anfield as the Reds overturned a 2-1 deficit from the first leg of their quarter-final tie.

Their first-leg nemesis Oscar Cardozo threatened to make life difficult with a goal that made it 3-1 on the night but Torres' second delightful finish ended the contest.

It was a performance that came in marked contrast to Liverpool's struggles in the Barclays Premier League and their increasingly forlorn attempts to finish fourth.

They left the field frustrated after being held at Birmingham on Saturday but, after a slow start, their determination to progress in this competition soon became obvious.

They made two changes from the weekend, the key one being the deployment of first-leg goalscorer Daniel Agger in the unfamiliar role of left-back due to Emiliano Insua's suspension.

Jamie Carragher and Sotirios Kyrgiakos started in central defence while Javier Mascherano replaced the ineligible Maxi Rodriguez.

Torres, who was controversially substituted at Birmingham to rest a knee injury, showed worrying signs of discomfort in the early stages.

His mobility was not helped by a crude early challenge from Sidnei and that set the tone for a night of rough treatment for the Spaniard, who had clearly been identified as the dangerman.

Benfica actually started the stronger and had an early opportunity after Carragher pushed the charging Pablo Aimar over on the edge of the box.

Angel di Maria's free-kick went straight into the wall and was put behind for a corner.

Liverpool took time to find their stride and it was not until the 15th minute that they worried Benfica as Steven Gerrard's whipped free-kick was headed behind by Amorim.

Gerrard then fired in a cross for Torres but the striker, who headed straight at Julio Cesar anyway, was offside.

Torres had another chance from a Glen Johnson cross but his glancing header went wide.

The Reds were taking charge and although Benfica continued to look dangerous on the break, they carried the greater threat.

They levelled the tie in the 27th minute after Yossi Benayoun won a corner on the left.

Gerrard delivered a perfect cross for Dirk Kuyt from the resulting set-piece and the Dutchman firmly headed home from six yards.

A moment of confusion followed as the goal initially appeared to have been disallowed as the assistant referee on the far side flagged for offside.

Liverpool protested and the referee and additional assistant behind the goal agreed the goal should stand.

With an away goal in the bank, that gave the Reds the edge overall but they had the momentum and wanted more.

They followed up with a second goal six minutes later as Gerrard slipped the often-maligned Lucas in on goal with a superb ball.

The Brazilian showed great composure to swerve around Cesar and tap in his first goal in 11 months.

The job was far from done, however, and Liverpool survived a couple of scares before the break as Cardozo fired a free-kick at Jose Reina and Sidnei had a shot deflected for a corner.

But Benfica captain Luisao almost handed Liverpool another goal early in the second half.

Kuyt won possession on the right and fed Gerrard, who delivered a low ball across the box.

Luisao slid in to make the interception but lost control and needed Cesar to palm it away.

Liverpool's deserved third arrived just before the hour from a swift counter-attack.

Lucas was struck between the legs as the Reds defended a free-kick inside their own half and left their colleague in pain as they charged downfield.

Benayoun raced into the Benfica half and spread the ball wide for Kuyt, whose first-time cross was swept in by the onrushing Torres.

The atmosphere at this point was raucous, but anxiety soon set in as Benfica pulled one back on 70 minutes after Kuyt fouled Ramires on the edge of the area.

Cardozo, who scored two penalties in the first leg, blasted in a low shot through a gap in the wall.

Benayoun conceded another free-kick in a similar position for tripping the same player four minutes later but this time Cardozo's curling effort flew narrowly wide.

The Reds battled on and showed the resolve to kill off the tie eight minutes from time.

Lucas won the ball in midfield with a powerful challenge and Mascherano sent Torres clear with a brilliant pass.

Torres made no mistake as he raced into the area and clipped the ball over substitute goalkeeper Moreira - a replacement for the injured Cesar just moments earlier - with delicate poise.

Liverpool could at last breathe easily and took off Torres, Gerrard and Benayoun in the closing minutes.

Liverpool Boss Rafael Benitez Fears For His Future

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has reawakened doubts about his commitment to Liverpool by expressing his deep disappointment that a move to refinance the club's large debts has seemingly fallen through.

Recently, Benitez was outspoken about reports that the New York-based Rhône Group's offer of £150m has apparently been rejected by the club. "If we don't have new investors its will be difficult to go one step further," the Liverpool manager said. "For six months I was really optimistic, especially about this group, because they were one of the groups who were there," he added. "But they are not there now. The Rhône Group is not there."

"I have heard a lot of talk about investors for six months," Benitez added. "I have had some talks myself with possible investors and still we are here and working hard but without confirmation." Liverpool are unwilling to discuss whether the Rhône offer has been withdrawn, though it has, with the current owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett's reluctance to cede overall control seemingly the stumbling block.

Benitez also agreed with striker Fernando Torres' frank assessment of his team's failings. Torres has claimed that a spate of summer departures meant "everything got messed up" for them this season. A draw at Birmingham on Sunday has left them sixth, four points adrift of that all-important Champions League-qualifying position, having played a game more than both Manchester City in fourth and Tottenham in fifth.

Benitez concedes his squad needs major investment this summer to force its way back among the title contenders. The Spaniard said: "I agree with Fernando about a lot of things. He talks about it being a pity we finished with 86 points last year and we couldn't progress.

"We need to sign some players; we need to bring some money. We need an investor and then we can challenge in a better way. The players are working so hard and they feel they can do more.

"Fernando the other day [at Birmingham], he was feeling really tired. He was trying and the other players were trying but while we don't have the investor it will be difficult to go one step forward."

Dirk Kuyt Desperate To Win Europa League With Liverpool

Liverpool forward Dirk Kuyt is desperate to win a trophy during his time at Anfield and become a part of the club's great history.

"If you speak about my desire, I am desperate to win a trophy here at Liverpool Football Club," the Dutchman told reporters at a press conference on Merseyside on Thursday.

"I know the history of the club; I know how many things they won in the past, so I want to be part of that history. I have come very close (to winning something) in the past with my team-mates, but it wasn't good enough - but hopefully it will be this season.

"It's always frustrating if you can't achieve the things you want, but at the end of the day you have to look forward and think positively.

"If you look backwards and think about the negatives, you can forget this trophy as well. We will look forward, we are desperate to win it and want to keep playing in the same way we have in the last few games at Anfield.

"It makes us all very hungry. I am not the only one who hasn't won a trophy here at Liverpool, so we are all working very hard every day to achieve this.

"Like I said, things aren't going the way we thought they would this season, but we are still in contention for a trophy and we are really up for it."

Benitez: Winning Europa League Crucial To Liverpool FC's Hopes Of Investment

Liverpool FC manager Rafa Benitez believes a strong finish to the season is crucial to the club’s future.

Benitez admits the club need major investment to force their way back amongst the Premier League title contenders after a disappointing campaign.

The poor state of Liverpool FC’s finances - and the consequent lack of transfer funds - has been a recurring issue over the past two years.

Benitez hopes winning the Europa League and qualifying for next season’s Champions League will draw in potential new investors.

He said: "We have to invest. If we want to move forward we need money, we need investors, because the market is very expensive.

"The players are working very hard, you cannot ask for more from them, but we have to stick together now, try to progress in the Europa League and try to finish fourth in the Premier League.

"Working hard at the moment is the only way we can show that we want to progress.

"It is clear if we are winning trophies it is easier for anyone.

"We have been in the Champions League for six years in a row. Thanks to this the club still has the big name it has had in the past.

"We are bringing in a lot of money playing in Europe. We want to be there and then it will be easier for investors to see the club has an opportunity."

Liverpool FC’s chances of finishing fourth in the Barclays Premier League are looking increasingly slim.

They are sixth in the table, four points adrift of that crucial Champions League-qualifying position, having played a game more than Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur who are both ahead of them in the race for fourth.

Maxi Rodriguez Keen For 'Inspirational' Javier Mascherano To Sign New Deal At Liverpool

Argentinian Liverpool winger Maxi Rodriguez wants his compatriot Javier Mascherano to ink a new contract at Anfield soon because the team need his inspirational qualities.

Mascherano is in negotaitions with the Reds currently and is expected to sign a new deal eventually.

Rodriguez believes his fellow-countryman is also keen to commit his future to the club.

"Javier is a fantastic player and when he signs his contract it will be great news for the club," Maxi told the Reds' official website.

"He is also fantastic to have in the dressing room and he is an inspiration.

"He loves playing for Liverpool in front of these wonderful supporters and is very happy to play for the club for a long time to come."

Rodriguez himself is very content at Liverpool following his January move from Atletico Madrid.

"From my first day here I felt very comfortable and I have settled in extremely well," he added.

"For me the team is the most important thing and I always try my best to help Liverpool.

"I don't mind if I play on the left or right side of midfield as I am comfortable in both positions."

Dutch Wonderkid Admits It Would Be A 'Dream' To Join Liverpool

Feyenoord wonderkid Georginio Wijnaldum has admitted it would be a "dream" to move to Liverpool.

Dutch midfielder Wijnaldum, 19, has caught the eye of Liverpool's scouts this season with Feyenoord demanding around £5million.

Wijnaldum said: "It's my dream to play in a big league and England would be the perfect choice. To follow in the footsteps of Dirk Kuyt would be sensational. He triumphed at Feyenoord and has had great success at Liverpool."

Wijnaldum has played 28 games for Feyenoord this season, scoring three goals and is being tipped as a future star of Dutch football.

Spartak Slam Riera Salary Demands

Spartak Moscow coach Valery Karpin claims Alberto Riera's proposed £5 million switch from Liverpool fell through because the winger demanded too much money.

Riera found himself in the Anfield doghouse after describing Liverpool as a "sinking ship", comments the Spaniard has since backtracked on, and was eager to secure a move to the Russian league before their transfer window shut on April 8.

Two weeks ago it appeared that the outspoken 27-year-old would join Karpin's Spartak, but the deal collapsed.

"I can tell you why the transfer didn't happen," Karpin told the Daily Mail. "Riera wanted to go to Spartak to hit the jackpot. We made him understand that this wouldn't happen with us.

"I can say there will be no acquisitions before the transfer window closes."

Riera, who last appeared as a substitute during Liverpool's 1-0 defeat in Lille on March 11, now faces the tough task of winning back the trust of manager Rafael Benitez.

England Soccer Player Gerrard To Open Restaurant

England soccer player and Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has bought a share in his favorite local restaurant with an eye to turning it into a New York-style hipster bar.

Gerrard is joining forces with restaurateur Paul Adams to relaunch the Warehouse Brasserie (www.warehousekitchenandbar.com) in Southport just north of Liverpool, Gerrard and Adams said in a statement emailed to Reuters.

The venue, which boasts a Michelin Bib Gourmand, is undergoing a major refurbishment before re-opening just ahead of this summer's World Cup as the Warehouse Kitchen & Bar.

"I've been eating there for years because I love the food and the atmosphere, so it's genuinely exciting to become its co-owner with Paul," Gerrard said in the statement.

The design and theme of the restaurant is being kept a closely guarded secret but has taken its inspiration from the new wave of "hipster bars" popular in New York's Tribeca district, the statement said.

Gerrard said he wanted to be more than just the celebrity face of the restaurant.

"This is my first venture in the restaurant trade but I think it's important to also say that my priorities are, and always will be, on the football pitch," he said.

Football Finance Expert David Bick Explains Why Failure To Reach Champions League Would Leave Liverpool In Big Trouble

There is so much speculation surrounding Liverpool's finances at the moment, it is hard to know where to turn. You hear so many whispers and rumours that you wonder what to believe.

The idea that the mooted interest from the Rhone Group, a US-based private equity firm, was merely a ‘stalking horse’ is interesting. This sort of thing goes on in business, as you would expect, so it is likely to happen in football. The idea with this is to flush out any genuinely interested buyers by playing up interest from another party. Whether it works or not is another matter.

Without wishing to just pluck numbers from the sky, investment in Liverpool – when you factor in the stadium and squad enhancements – could be anything between £500 million and £1 billion. That is the reality of the situation at the moment.

What does surprise me is the mention of the concrete deadline of April 6 for fresh investors. Now it appears that this has been changed from a 'deadline' into a ‘guideline’. But don’t forget that another re-financing deal is due with the Royal Bank of Scotland in July, and this is almost entirely dependent on Liverpool qualifying for the Champions League, which at the moment is uncertain at best.

If Liverpool - under the ownership of Tom Hicks and George Gillett - do miss out on the Champions League, I think they are in big trouble, as I simply can’t see how they can meet their interest repayments.

That is why the deadline of Easter for fresh investment seemed a little strange; why would any would-be investor get involved at this stage of proceedings, when everything is still up in the air on-the-pitch? Surely they would wait until the summer.

As to whether Champions League football is really important from an investor’s point of view, it is hard to say. Of course any investor will want the lowest possible price, and it could be that investing in a club that is not in the Champions League enables that.

But then if you invest into a club that has fallen out of the Champions League for a season, you need to weigh up whether it is a long-term thing, and how much it will cost to get back in there. Liverpool would obviously need serious spending on the playing side of things, and that is without even mentioning the new stadium.

A lot of people have almost forgotten about the new stadium when they talk investment with Liverpool, with everyone focusing on the debt side of things. The new stadium, on Stanley Park or anywhere else, is going to be a huge cost, even more so than clearing the debts.

Let’s be clear on this; anyone who is looking into Liverpool as an investor is doing so because of the name and the prestige of the club. A club like Newcastle, for instance, may have its merits from an investment point of view – a hefty 50,000-seater stadium for example – but in terms of prestige Liverpool and Newcastle are worlds apart, and that goes for the amount of investment that both clubs would require.

Europa League Preview: Liverpool vs. Benfica

One goal down and with a place in the Europa League semi-finals at stake, Liverpool will be desperate to reverse the damage done in Portugal last week as they play host to Benfica.

A pair of second-half penalties from Oscar Cardozo gave the Eagles the first-leg spoils, but Daniel Agger's back-heeled opener in Lisbon means the Reds remain well and truly in this tie.

The Anfield giants' form is not all that encouraging, and nor was captain Steven Gerrard's much-publicised reaction to the surprise substitution of Fernando Torres at St Andrews.

With a top-four finish in the Premier League now looking only a remote possibility, Rafael Benitez and his men will be all the more determined to progress in Europe - but they face an opponent which has the smell of silverware in its nostrils.

Benfica already have the Taca da Liga under their belts and are closing on their first league title since 2005, and wouldn't they love to emphasise their return to the top by clinching a treble with a win in the inaugural Europa League?

That is but a dream for now, but Portugal's greatest club can take one step closer by reminding everyone that they know how to close out a tie against English opposition - for it was they who ended Liverpool's Champions League defence in 2006, after all.

FORM GUIDE

Liverpool

Apr 4: Birmingham City 1-1 Liverpool (Premier League)
Apr 1: Benfica 2-1 Liverpool (Europa League)
Mar 28: Liverpool 3-0 Sunderland (Premier League)
Mar 21: Manchester United 2-1 Liverpool (Premier League)
Mar 18: Liverpool 3-0 Lille (Europa League)

Benfica

Apr 5: Naval 2-4 Benfica (Portuguese Liga)
Apr 1: Benfica 2-1 Liverpool (Europa League)
Mar 27: Benfica 1-0 Braga (Portuguese Liga)
Mar 18: Olympique Marseille 1-2 Benfica (Europa League)
Mar 14: Nacional 0-1 Benfica (Portuguese Liga)

TEAM NEWS

Liverpool

Ryan Babel is unavailable after the Dutch winger received a highly controversial red card for his 'confrontation' with Luisao in the first leg. Left-back Emiliano Insua is also out of the tie after receiving a yellow card in the first leg.

Maxi Rodriguez is ineligible for the competition, while Alberto Aquilani (ankle), Martin Skrtel (foot), Fabio Aurelio (thigh) and Martin Kelly (knee) are injured.

Last starting XI (vs. Birmingham City): Reina, Johnson, Carragher, Kyrgiakos, Insua, Lucas, Gerrard, Maxi, Kuyt, Benayoun, Torres.

Benfica

Javier Saviola missed last week's clash at the Estadio da Luz through injury, and it has been confirmed that the Argentine forward will take no part in the return date at Anfield.

Strikers Weldon - who scored twice on Monday night - and Mantorras have also remained in Lisbon.

Last starting XI (vs. Naval): Quim, Pereira, Luisao, Luiz, Coentrao, Javi Garcia, Amorim, Aimar, Di Maria, Cardozo, Weldon.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Liverpool - Fernando Torres

The Reds need goals to go through, and this is the man most likely to provide them. The Spaniard has been left frustrated on his last two outings, and he will want to show his gaffer that he can be a danger every minute he's on the pitch.

Benfica - Angel di Maria

Cardozo may have put the ball in the net, but it was Di Maria who caused all the problems in the first leg. His pace, sharp turn and wicked left foot were all in evidence, and they will have to be once more if the Argentine is to help his side into the final four.

Liverpool Boss Rafael Benitez Looking To Avenge European Defeats To Benfica

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez is confident his side can avenge the 2006 Champions League elimination to Benfica when they take on the Portuguese giants in the Europa League quarter-final on Thursday.

The Reds lost 2-1 at the Estadio da Luz in the first leg last week, and must overturn the deficit at Anfield to progress to the semi-final stage.

When quizzed on Liverpool's previous elimination at the hands of Benfica in the Champions League, Benitez was keen to point out that his side are in a much better position than four years ago, when a 1-0 loss in Portugal was followed by a 2-0 reversal at Anfield.

"The situation is totally different," Benitez told reporters.

"We've scored an away goal and we've got a much better squad now, so hopefully we can manage in a better way.

"They have balance. They can attack and defend well and they have confidence, so it'll be tough for us.

"But we are doing well at home, especially in the last games. So we know Benfica are a good team but we have confidence we can beat them.

"It's an opportunity we have to win silverware. It'll be important for all the people here, the fans and the club. So we'll try to do our best."

Benitez is anticipating a trademark European night atmosphere at Anfield.

"I hope so," he said.

"The fans know backing the team is the biggest way to get a result, so they will be behind the players."

Rafa Assesses Left-Back Slot

Rafa Benitez has hinted that Liverpool could swap formations against Benfica on Thursday in the absence of an established left-back.

With Emiliano Insua suspended and Fabio Aurelio injured, Benitez could shift to three at the back in the Europa League quarter-final decider.

Alternatively, the likes of Glen Johnson, Daniel Agger and Jamie Carragher have all operated on the left side of a back four in the past.

Benitez told his pre-match press conference: "We were practising on Wednesday with three defenders and with different players in different positions, so we will see how we'll manage on Thursday."

The boss was also quizzed on the fitness of his players, including Fernando Torres after he was seen with a precautionary ice-pack on his knee after being substituted against Birmingham on Sunday.

"He has to take care of his knee but he's okay, he's fine," said Benitez. "Insua is injured but he was suspended anyway. Fabio Aurelio, Skrtel and Kelly are still injured."

Reina Targets Europa Success

Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina admits they need to win the Europa League to make up for a disappointing season.

The Reds have endured a miserable Premier League campaign this term, failing to mount a title bid and are facing a real uphill battle to finish in the top four.

Reina, who has been one of Liverpool's top performers this season, is keen to end a four-year drought without silverware by lifting the Europa League in May.

"This is the only trophy we can lift this season," said Reina

"It is massively important. All the players here want to lift silverware and this is our last chance to do that.

"To win a trophy is always good. We, the players, are the first ones who know that the season hasn't been great. It hasn't been good enough. We should have done better.

"But as long as we have that opportunity to lift a trophy, it is always important for a club and it is for the players. Now it is up to us to lift it up and we have to be persistent."

To win the Europa League, Liverpool need to overturn a 2-1 deficit against Benfica in the second leg of their quarter-final on Thursday and Reina has called on the home fans at Anfield to roar the side to victory.

"We know it is going to be tough but there have been many times in the past when it has been tough and we have been able to manage," added Reina.

"With Anfield behind us and the supporters ready from the beginning, showing desire, passion and commitment, the effort will be 100 per cent. There is absolutely no doubt about that."

Reds Eye French Starlet

Liverpool have emerged as favourites to sign French starlet Moussa Kouyate.

The Reds are one of a host of clubs chasing the highly-rated 15-year-old, who is currently with Paris FC.

But now Liverpool have offered Kouyate a trial and skysports.com understands the young defender will link-up with the club later this week.

Both Manchester City and Fulham have also shown an interest in Kouyate, but Liverpool look to be heading the chase for his signature.

French champions Bordeaux, Paris Saint Germain and Lens are also believed to be keen.

Rafael Benitez Admits To Making Mistakes At Liverpool

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has admitted making "regrettable mistakes" during his six-year tenure at Anfield.

The Spaniard has come under pressure this season as the Reds struggle to finish in the Premier League's top four and secure a Champions League place.

When asked if he had made mistakes, without specifying, he replied: "Every manager makes mistakes," before adding he had "sometimes" made "big mistakes".

The Reds trail Benfica 2-1 going into Thursday's Europa League quarter-final.

At the start of the year Benitez had promised to deliver Champions League football, despite the Merseysiders finding themselves adrift of Manchester City and Tottenham in the race for fourth place in the Premier League.

With his side struggling to reach the highs of last year when they lost only two games as they finished runners-up to champions Manchester United, Benitez has found his decisions in games and in the transfer market questioned.

"The manager plays every game," he reflected.

"You lose, you win or you draw every game and some players play, some don't, but the manager is always there."

The former Valencia boss was most recently criticised for his decision to substitute Fernando Torres in the 1-1 draw with Birmingham last Saturday.

The draw left Liverpool in sixth place, four points behind fourth-place Manchester City having played one game more than both Roberto Mancini's men and Tottenham, who are three points clear in fifth place.

Meanwhile this season, the Reds failed to reach the Champions League's lucrative group stages for the first time in Benitez's reign and suffered a shock 2-1 FA Cup third-round replay defeat to Reading at Anfield.

The sale of midfielder Xabi Alonso to Real Madrid for £30m has also been widely criticised as Liverpool's difficult campaign has unfolded, with his £20m replacement Alberto Aquilani struggling for fitness all season to the frustration of Benitez.

Spain defender Alvaro Arbeloa also moved to the Bernabeu, while the experienced Sami Hyypia was allowed to join German side Bayer Leverkusen.

"If you can manage as a club with the mistakes you are ok," said Benitez, before admitting: "We signed one player that has had a problem for the whole season and we cannot manage."

Italian Report: Juventus Want Deal Closed For Liverpool Boss Benitez This Month

Italian daily Tuttosport claims that Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez is still Juventus' number one target and that they want to conclude contract negotiations with him this month.

Benitez has been rumoured for some time to be a prime target to take charge of the Turin giants, who are planning a summer overhaul following a desperately disappointing season. Benitez’s Liverpool future has been under scrutiny for several months as the Reds have also endured a difficult season and the Anfield club is also experiencing financial difficulties.

Tuttosport claims that Benitez remains the preferred choice of Juventus chief Roberto Bettega with Bordeaux coach Laurent Blanc next in line. Apparently, Benitez's greater experience is the major factor in Juventus' pursuit of the Anfield boss.

Tuttosport also speculates that Juventus officials are eager to finalize a deal for Benitez this month, as early as 15 April. The Turin club wants their man in place as soon as possible, in order to plan for next season.

Steven Gerrard Tips Pepe Reina To Captain Liverpool In The Future

Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard believes that his successor to the Reds captain's armband should be goalkeeper Pepe Reina.

The England international feels that the 27-year-old Spaniard possesses all the qualities needed to be a good leader at Anfield.

Gerrard is also sure that time is on Reina's side as he is yet to reach his peak in goalkeeping terms.

"Pepe has proved this year that he is one of the best goalkeepers in the world," the midfielder told LFC Weekly.

"He's got a massive future here. He's a character and someone who is great to have around the dressing room.

"In training and on the pitch he's fantastic. He's always positive and helping his teammates. I can see a captain in him.

"As far as goalkeepers are concerned, he's still young. So I can see him captaining this club in the future.

"I certainly hope he does because he deserves it."

Fernando Torres: Liverpool FC Summer Eits 'Mssed Eerything U'

Fernando Torres admitted a spate of summer departures "messed everything up" for Liverpool FC.

The sale of midfielder Xabi Alonso to Real Madrid for a reported £30million has been widely criticised as Liverpool FC's difficult campaign has unfolded, with his £20million replacement Alberto Aquilani struggling for fitness all season to the frustration of manager Rafa Benitez.

Versatile Spain defender Alvaro Arbeloa joined Alonso in moving to the Bernabeu, while the experienced Sami Hyypia was allowed to join German side Bayer Leverkusen.

Liverpool FC were eliminated in the Champions League group stages for the first time in Benitez’s tenure and face an uphill task to return to the competition at all next season, lying as they do four points adrift of fourth-placed Manchester City having played a game more.

And a shock 2-1 FA Cup third-round replay defeat to Reading at Anfield left the Europa League - a consolation after their Champions League exit - their only remaining chance of a trophy. However, to progress in that they must overturn a 2-1 deficit to Benfica in Thursday’s quarter-final second leg.

Liverpool FC striker Torres said: "There have been various important factors, like being so far behind the top teams so quickly. That killed us psychologically.

"After that, injuries hit us hard and we have suffered a lot because of them.

"But after a good season last year, we needed certain reinforcements and we needed to keep the squad we had together. But circumstances dictated that we had to sell players and so everything got messed up.

"The sales of Arbeloa, Hyypia and Alonso were important losses.

"Alvaro always did a vital job for us, always played to a high level, and his flexibility was a huge bonus.

"Sami did not play every week but he was a 10 out of 10 on and off the pitch.

"And Xabi? Players like him are very rare. He was the team’s engine, and you know that when you change an engine, it takes time to work again."

Benitez Echoes Torres Concerns

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has called on the club's hierarchy to find some investment for new players after agreeing with Fernando Torres on the failings at Anfield.

Torres has let it be known that allowing the likes of Xabi Alonso, Alvaro Arbeloa and Sami Hyypia leave last summer has proved costly in the Reds' miserable campaign.

Having begun among the favourites for the Premier League title, Liverpool are looking increasingly unlikely to even finish fourth and will have to overcome a first leg defeat to Benfica in the Europa League quarter-finals.

A league draw at Birmingham on Sunday has left Liverpool sixth, four points adrift of that all-important UEFA Champions League-qualifying position, having played a game more than both Manchester City in fourth and Tottenham in fifth.

Benitez believes Torres was correct in his assessment of the club's disappointing performance, with the Reds boss saying: "I agree with Fernando about a lot of things.

"He talks about it being a pity we finished with 86 points last year and we couldn't progress.

"We need to sign some players, we need to bring in some money. We need an investor and then we can challenge in a better way.

"The players are working so hard and they feel they can do more.

"Fernando the other day (at Birmingham), he was feeling really tired. He was trying and the other players were trying but while we don't have the investor it will be difficult to go one step forward."

Benitez was speaking ahead of Thursday's second leg against Benfica at Anfield, with his side trailing 2-1 on aggregate.

"We will try to do our best on Thursday to win," he said. "Hopefully we can balance the books this year.

"We need now to perform on the pitch and create a better situation for the new investors."

Liverpool Co-Owners Tom Hicks And George Gillett In London To Discuss Refinancing

As Liverpool prepare to try and stay in the Europa League this week the club’s owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett have been in London discussing their next financial move, and considering the implications should Rafael Benitez fail to deliver on his promise to steer the club into next season’s Champions League.

I understand that the American owners, enjoying a rare joint visit to the UK, spent yesterday afternoon at the London client offices of leading City lawyers Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer. By co-incidence Freshfields partner Mark Rawlinson is one of the ‘Red Knights’ plotting the purchase of Manchester United from the Glazers.

Hicks and Gillett have faced similar supporter disquiet over their ownership of Liverpool and are attempting to re-finance the club’s £237m debts. RBS, their principle lender, has requested that they reduce the debt by £100m ahead of a refinancing deadline in the summer.

Rothschilds and Merryl Lynch, the advisors retained by Gillett and Hicks respectively, and club managing director Christian Purslow have been engaged in a global search for third-party investment for months but a deal is yet to be struck. The deadline for a £105m offer from New York-based investors the Rhone Group, who were hoping to secure a 40% stake in the club, passed on Monday.

Sources close to the owners say that yesterday’s talks were a general discussion of the owners’ options rather than focused on a specific deal. “There’s nothing imminent,” said one.

Purslow has previously said that five or six interested parties are still in play but it appears that all are some distance from meeting the Americans’ valuation. Hicks and Gillett have previously maintained that any third-party investor would have to pay a price that reflects the club’s potential increase in value after the new Anfield, which is yet to leave the drawing board, is built.

With the credit markets still depressed and the RBS deadline looming it may be harder for the owners to meet their valuation, but that does not mean refinancing will fail.

While RBS would like to see the debt come down it is still highly likely that the bank would offer the Americans a fresh deal. The downside for Hicks and Gillett, as they seek yet another short-term fix to their problems at Anfield, is that such a deal would cost significantly more in fees and interest.

If they succeed it will be the third time in as many years that they have had to strike a new deal with the banks, racking up fees every time. The need for a long-term solution that allows work on the new stadium to begin remains.

Steven Gerrard Rates Liverpool 'Underdogs' To Claim Fourth Place

Frustration was etched on Steven Gerrard's face when Fernando Torres was withdrawn at Birmingham City and his outlook has not changed after a result that left Liverpool "underdogs" in the race for the fourth Champions League qualification place. The Liverpool captain believes only a 100% record can preserve the club's place among the European elite but accepts the time for making promises at Anfield is over.

Rafael Benítez's team are four points adrift of Manchester City in fourth place following the draw at St Andrew's on Sunday, a contest Gerrard admits Liverpool had to win to increase their chances of salvaging their domestic campaign. The manager's decision to substitute the ineffective Torres raised eyebrows at Birmingham, Gerrard's included, but would have been vindicated had his replacement, David Ngog, taken one of several chances to seal victory late on. His failure to do so has prompted a sombre analysis from the England vice-captain and an admission that Liverpool are more reliant than ever on City and Tottenham Hotspur faltering on the run-in.

"To give ourselves a better chance we had to take maximum points here and it's going to be really difficult now," Gerrard said. "But the race for fourth place seems to change from week to week. You have to look at the teams above us, they're the favourites and we're the underdogs at the moment. But we'll keep fighting all the way to the end."

Gerrard believes Liverpool must win their five remaining league games. Their best league sequence this season is four consecutive victories at the start of the campaign – against Bolton, Burnley, West Ham United and Hull City, and they still have to play the last three.

The midfielder is wary of making further predictions. "It's OK saying we'll be all right if we win our last five games; we have to go out on to the pitch and win them rather than talk about it. It will be difficult but we have the experience and we're hoping that will be vital in the end but I think it'll go down to the wire. It's easy for me to stand here and say we have to win all our games, we have to go out and do it."

Benitez Refuses To Give Up On Champions League

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has urged his players to still believe they qualify for next season's Champions League.

Sunday's 1-1 draw at Birmingham further dented the Reds' hopes of finishing fourth in the Premier League and winning a place at Europe's top table next term.

Benitez's side trail fourth-placed Manchester City by four points, and fifth-placed Tottenham by three, and they have played a game more than their two rivals.

Other than an Anfield date with Chelsea on May 1, their other four matches appear on paper to be more straightforward - they are at home to Fulham and West Ham, and travel to Burnley and Hull. But when you consider their last away win in the league was at the end of December - a run of seven matches - nothing can be taken for granted.

Benitez, though, is convinced Champions League football is not beyond his players, and is demanding they do not lose heart.

"The players were disappointed after Birmingham because it was a good performance and we had some chances at the end,'' Benitez told the club's official website.”But I told them, 'There's still five games so we need to keep going'.

"If we play in the same way then we'll at least win our games, then we'll see what happens. They (City) have some difficult games, so we just have to win our fixtures. Football is so special. You think 'Oh we'll win there and maybe lose there', but then everything changes.

"We just have to think about getting three points against Fulham on Sunday and then see what happens. We have to keep the belief.''

Prior to that Liverpool face the small matter of trying to overturn a 2-1 first-leg deficit to Benfica in the return of their Europa League quarter-final at Anfield on Thursday.

"The Europa League now is a very, very important trophy for us and we have to win against Benfica,'' added Benitez.

Liverpool Sign Swindon Teenager

Liverpool have completed the signing of teenager Jamie Stephens from Swindon for an undisclosed fee.

The 16-year-old goalkeeper will join the Liverpool Academy until 2012 and sign a professional contract on his 17th birthday.

Stephens was invited to train with the Reds earlier this year and did enough to earn a permanent move to the Premier League giants.

The youngster is yet to make his senior debut and has only played a handful of games for Swindon's youth team this season.

"This is a great opportunity for Jamie," said Swindon chairman Andrew Fitton.

"George Wood (Swindon's goalkeeping coach) recognised his talent immediately and did a great job developing him.

"Being such a specialist position, the opportunity to go to an Academy like Liverpool is the right move for him and will give him the chance to play in tournaments all over the world."

Fitton believes the move shows Swindon's intention to build better relationships with top clubs which will benefit all parties.

The Robins already have young defender Stephen Darby on loan from Liverpool and Stephens himself could return in the future on a similar agreement.

"You can expect to see more interaction between Swindon and clubs such as Liverpool with talented players such as Stephen Darby coming on loan to help in their career development while we leverage the resources that only the big clubs have," said Fitton.

"I hope that one day Jamie Stephens may come back to Swindon, maybe on loan from Liverpool, and get his first taste of league football at the County Ground."

Stephens said after his earlier spell with Liverpool: "The Academy is unbelievable. They have so many staff, everyone is so polite and kind. It's really friendly, like a family club."

Kolarov Flattered By Reds Link

Lazio defender Aleksandar Kolarov is honoured to be linked with the likes of Liverpool and Real Madrid, but insists that he has not received a 'concrete' approach.

The full-back is hot property in Serie A and reports in the winter transfer window suggested that Inter's Goran Pandev had pleaded with the 24-year-old to move to the Giuseppe Meazza.

Liverpool are rumoured to be in the market for a left-back following the unimpressive season of Emiliano Insua and Kolarov has been mentioned as a target, while Real are also thought to want to reinforce their defence.

The Serbia international is pleased to be attracting such interest. However, he maintains that he has not been in official contact with either of the European giants.

"I open the newspapers on a daily basis and find that different clubs are interested in me," Kolarov told lalaziosiamonoi.it.

"The interest from Real Madrid, Liverpool and Inter cannot but flatter me. However, up until now there has never been anything concrete."

Asked about the speculation regarding Pandev, Kolarov added: "No, it's absolutely not true that he called me to ask that I move to Inter.

"We talk simply as two friends. We don't just speak about football."

Smith Hopes Wilson Will Stay

Rangers manager Walter Smith is hoping youngster Danny Wilson resists the lure of the Premier League.

Spurs and Liverpool have been linked with the youngster while the Reds' interest in the teenager has been confirmed.

Smith has denied that Gers have an offer on the table for the 18-year-old, who has made 13 SPL starts this season.

Rangers' boss believes Wilson is enjoying his chance of first-team football and hopes he wants to stay and continue his education with the SPL giants.

"I don't think contractual or transfer talk will affect him at all," he told Sky Sports News.

"He's a level-headed boy, he's shown the same temperament in terms of coming in and playing at 18 and playing in the manner that he has done.

"He's not got an offer yet. Liverpool have expressed an interest in him.

"We haven't said that we don't want to let the player go. So he hasn't got an offer yet. He's playing away here.

"I take it that when he joined Rangers that getting a first-team game is what he wanted to do.

"He's been getting a lot more games than I'd imagine he would this season, but he's deserved them and he's played exceptionally well for us."

Liverpool Unearth Their Answer To Ibrahimovic: Nikola Saric

Despite a disappointing season by their standards, with the team constantly blowing hot and cold both domestically and in Europe, Liverpool have a bright future ahead of them, particularly in the striking department. Dani Pacheco and Lauri Dalla Valle in particular, look to be excellent prospects but there is another striker with a bright future, who has not received the attention of the aforementioned duo. This is Nikola Saric, the 19 year old Bosnian/Danish prodigy whose ability and potential has earned comparisons with the likes of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Fernando Torres.

Saric was signed by Liverpool from Danish club Herfolge in 2008, signing a three year deal at Anfield. Highly rated in Denmark, Saric and was voted the U-17 player of the year in 2007 and has represented his adopted country at U-16, U-17 and U-18 level.

Saric was born in Sarajevo, but left his home country when war broke out in Bosnia and his family fled to Denmark as refugees. The 19 year old made three league appearances for Herfolge and was regarded as one of the most exciting prospects in Danish football before being snapped up by Liverpool, who beat out the likes of Barcelona and Tottenham for his signature.

Unfortunately, the talented striker has been dogged by injuries in his time so far at Anfield. A persistent knee injury kept Saric out for most of last season, restricting him to a handful of reserve team games. The striker has returned to action recently though, scoring an injury-time equaliser for the reserves against Man City back in January and coming off the bench in the last three games for the reserves, who have only lost once this season in 12 games.

So what’s the fuss about Nikola Saric? Left footed, the 19 year old is extremely versatile and can play on the left or right wing or as a central striker. He is naturally gifted and has been described as one of Europe’s most promising talents. In terms of comparisons, Saric has been likened to Zlatan Ibrahimovic, purely because of the Balkan heritage he shares with the Barcelona star, (Ibrahimovic is of Bosnian and Croatian parentage). Saric has similar traits to Ibrahimovic, in terms of his ball skills, height and finishing in front of goal. The Danish prodigy has also been likened to teammate Fernando Torres, in terms of his playing style.

Saric is yet to make an appearance in Liverpool’s first team, mainly because he has been so injury-prone so far in his Liverpool career, but the youngster is remaining positive, saying back in February.

Saric will be competing with fellow striking prodigies Pacheco and Dalla Valle to break through into the first team at Anfield next season, but if he can manage to stay fit, then it is a possibility that we could see the Dane make a few substitute appearances next season for Liverpool, just like Pacheco has in this campaign. It all depends whether Saric can stay healthy and start showing Rafael Benitez some of that obvious potential that made the Liverpool boss sign him from Herfolge two years ago.

Reds Miss Out On £110 Million Investment

Liverpool FC appear to have rejected an offer of £110 million from New York-based fund management company Rhone Group for a controlling share in the Anfield club, with owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett failing to respond to the bid ahead of its deadline.

Liverpool are keen to secure new investment in order to pay off the club's debts and finance a move from Anfield to a new state of the art stadium in Liverpool's Stanley Park, but negotiations with Rhone appear to have fallen by the wayside.

'Though Rhone's investment is needed to pay down £100m of debt demanded of the club by Liverpool's bankers, Royal Bank of Scotland, the club seem to believe they can secure a better deal elsewhere,' reports The Independent. 'It does not seem that Rhone will go back to the club in the future and though further negotiations are possible if Liverpool re-establish contact, the valuation may have changed if Rafael Benitez's side are not playing Champions League football next season.'

Participation in the Uefa Champions League is worth tens of millions each season to participating clubs. Liverpool have been a fixture in the competition in recent seasons, winning it in 2005 and reaching the final again in 2007, but were eliminated ahead of the knock-out stages in this season's competition and are currently trailing in the race to qualify for next season's edition.

The Reds, who can point to a seemingly less difficult run-in than their rivals for fourth place, were held 1-1 by Birmingham City this weekend, with Liam Ridgewell cancelling out Steven Gerrard's opener. Liverpool are in sixth place, four points behind fourth-placed Manchester City.

Gerrard Deserves Better & A Fresh Challenge

Arsenal FC hero Ian Wright believes Liverpool FC should allow their captain Steven Gerrard to leave Anfield in the summer.

Wright claims the long time Liverpool FC talisman looks unhappy and disillusioned with life at Anfield and his adoring Kop fans should respect the service he has granted them for all these years by allowing him to leave the club in the summer.

The once prolific Arsenal FC forward suggests Gerrard would benefit from leaving Liverpool FC in search of a new challenge because on the verge of his thirtieth birthday, he may not get another chance. Wright suggests Birmingham City’s 1-1 draw with Liverpool, during which Rafa Benitez withdrew Fernando Torres with 20 minutes remaining, may have been the nail in the coffin for Gerrard’s Anfield career.

The Arsenal FC legend told the Sun: “It was the moment that may have broken the camel's back as far as Steven Gerrard's Liverpool love affair is concerned.”

“The look of dismay on the skipper's face when Rafa Benitez inexplicably substituted Fernando Torres with 25 minutes to go in Sunday's 1-1 draw at Birmingham said it all.”

“For the first time since he broke into the first team 11½ years ago, Stevie G looked like he wants out of Liverpool.”

“And, with the way things are at Anfield right now, who could blame him?”

“With Premier League and Champions League hopes having long disappeared, the consolation prizes of fourth place in the table and the Europa League are now even touch and go.”

“It appears the only certainties on the horizon at Liverpool this year are more in-fighting and uncertainty.”

Wright claims Steven Gerrard, one of the greatest players in Liverpool’s history, deserves better then the club’s current malaise.

He continued: “Gerrard deserves better. Much better.”

“He turns 30 at the end of next month. It's a milestone that is bound to make him take a long, hard look at himself and his career.”

“It would be totally understandable if he came to the conclusion that he needs a new club. I know the Kop will be up in arms at this view, as they were when their inspirational captain came close to joining Chelsea in 2004.”

“Gerrard turned down a reported £20million switch to join Jose Mourinho and it proved the right decision.”

“He led Liverpool to a Champions League triumph over Milan 12 months later, an incredible FA Cup final win over West Ham a year after that before another Champions League final appearance in 2007.”

“But things are totally different this time. Gerrard's body language as he trudged off at St Andrew's suggested he needs a new challenge and the Koppites should respect that.”

“As the old saying goes, if you love somebody set them free. That is how Liverpool fans should be with Gerrard.”

“Nobody has given more for the Reds cause, particularly in recent seasons. Torres has got the goals but Gerrard has carried the club, almost single-handedly at times.”

“But the time may have come where he needs to think about himself. Spending a career with one club - even one as good as Liverpool - is not always healthy and players can get stale.”

“He would thrive at a big club where there are more than two world-class stars expected to carry the burden week in, week out.”

“A fresh challenge would rejuvenate Gerrard after a draining season with Liverpool.”

“And we might see a smile back on the face of one of English football's genuine world-class talents. Instead of the dejected expression we saw on Sunday.”

Mark Lawrensen: Fernando Torres Treatment A Big Clue To How Rafa Benitez Sees His Liverpool Future

I wish I could answer the questions as to why Fernando Torres was taken off at Birmingham on Sunday – but I for one have given up trying to guess.

Preserving players early in the season is one thing – but doing it in April just doesn’t make sense.

No wonder Steven Gerrard was scratching his head.

I hate harking back to the old days because that’s exactly what they are – old. But if Rushie had been subbed after 65 minutes of a game we needed to win back in the 1980s there would have been a mutiny.

And Torres is the modern day Ian Rush – the one player who you need on the pitch when you are chasing a winning goal.

Yes, he might have been having an off day but looking at the way Liverpool pressed late on, he would have only needed to stand there and swing his leg at the ball to have an impact.

He would surely have buried the couple of chances David Ngog had when he came on to replace him.

But the most baffling thing about the decision to haul him off was, if you really need to wrap him in cotton wool and make sure he doesn’t do any long term damage, why didn’t that happen in Portugal on Thursday night?

There were only eight minutes left when Torres made way for David Ngog that night and by the time he came off he had been kicked from pillar to post.

Taking him off would have been justified on that occasion because he was getting no protection from the referee and the Benfica defenders were having a field day.

That would have been the time to give Torres the safety of the bench.

As it is, the 2-1 defeat Liverpool suffered still, for me, gives them a 60/40 chance of qualifying at Anfield, as long as they don’t concede an away goal.

One thing is for sure, after missing half an hour of action at St Andrew’s, Torres should be flying!

But the other thing I really don’t get about the whole tiredness argument is, why not send Ngog on for someone else and give Torres some help? Ease the burden on him a bit.

If you have someone who can do the running and occupy defenders, then Torres can just stand around and be as worn out as he likes, all he needs to be there for is to add a finishing touch.

That’s all you need in such a finely-balanced game and I’ve lost count of the times a decision by Benitez has jeopardised his side having the best chance of winning a game.

When your own captain is looking at the number board in utter disbelief, you know you’ve got problems.

Gerrard was playing really well, had scored a great goal and he knows that when he is in the mood he and Torres can destroy a team in an instant.

So what conclusions are we supposed to draw from all this? Is it that Benitez wants to go all out to win the Europa League rather than push for fourth place? A fourth place that he has already ‘guaranteed’?

After failing to deliver on that, success in Europe is an absolute must if you’re going to make sacrifices elsewhere for it.

Of course, if we do win the trophy then great, happy days. But how are we going to attract top quality players to the club for next year if we are not in the Champions League?

Or maybe Rafa knows that come the summer that won’t be his problem – and if he does go he will at least have gone out with some silverware.

Rafael Benítez Insulted Liverpool Fans With His Birmingham Surrender

They've won it five times. Liverpool have won the European Cup in such glamorous places as Rome twice, London, Paris and Istanbul and now, shamefully, Rafael Benítez appears to have surrendered in Birmingham any chance of adding to that tally for the foreseeable future.

Liverpool's manager has eschewed qualifying for football's grand prize by focusing on the Europa League, the realm of also-rans. How the mighty are falling.

Finding Liverpool concentrating on the Europa League is akin to discovering The Beatles entering the Eurovision Song Contest. They should be above it. Great fans deserve better. Ambitious players such as Fernando Torres, Steven Gerrard, Jamie Carragher, Javier Mascherano and Pepe Reina deserve better. Even Benitez's backers struggle to support him now.

Liverpool may recover, of course, and with talent such as Torres, Gerrard and Reina it would be foolish to dismiss them whatever the frustration with a manager so cautious he probably drives with the handbrake on. Yet for anybody with any affection for England's most successful club it was so galling to watch Benítez withdrawing Torres with 25 minutes remaining and the St Andrew's scoreline showing (and finishing) 1-1.

Chasing victory to cling to the coat-tails of Manchester City and Tottenham in the race for fourth, Liverpool were suddenly deprived of their best attacker. Benítez and friends can talk all they like about the three chances that fell to Torres's replacement, David Ngog, but Torres, even off the pace, might have put one away.

Torres looked surprised at the summons to the bench. So did Gerrard, scratching his head as if bemused by Torres's departure. Benítez appeared to sacrifice his best hope of a goal against Birmingham to give him more hope in the Europa League against Benfica on Thursday. Even a Torres masterclass against the Portuguese cannot provide retrospective validation for the white flag against Birmingham.

What happened at St Andrew's was an insult to the fans who had travelled in numbers, craving the points to keep alive Benitez's "guarantee'' of a return to the cherished Champions League. In the Second City, Benítez seemed to make a statement that he believes Liverpool are second-class citizens in the European class system. What an affront to a distinguished history.

Whichever way Benitez's decision to remove Torres is analysed it lacks logic unless he is planning to leave this summer and wants to bow out with some silverware, however modest, that might be noted by a few European chairmen. In a period of flux among those below the Chelsea-Manchester United-Arsenal triumvirate, any failure by Liverpool to qualify for the Champions League has expensive short-term ramifications, notably the £30 million-plus cheque that now goes to a rival.

Most damagingly in terms of finance, prestige and the chance of retaining or attracting stellar performers, the likelihood of missing out on Champions League football this year has immense long-term significance.

If City, Croesus-rich and already blessed with talent in Carlos Tevez, Emmanuel Adebayor, Adam Johnson, Gareth Barry and Shay Given, gain a place in the Champions League, they will invest again, and could become regular diners at Europe's top table. Liverpool are sliding down a costly snake.

Failing to make the Champions League roster ensures a painful summer for Liverpool. It is hard to see such loyal club men as Gerrard and Carragher moving on but Torres will be targeted, particularly if he enjoys a show-stopping World Cup. Ditto Mascherano.

Just as Gerard Houllier's French era at Anfield came to an end, so could the clock be running on Benitez's Spanish reign. Those who know Benítez well talk of the man's warmth and intelligence.

To most people, though, he just seems a stubborn, slightly cold, possibly dysfunctional individual with a knack of buying brilliantly (Torres, Reina, Mascherano etc) or atrociously (Alberto Aquilani). The persistence with Lucas highlights Benitez's reputation as one of football's most quixotic characters.

Yet this is the coach who can set teams up perfectly, particularly in Europe, but the great sadness for those who admire Liverpool is that the Continental assignments are now of the B-list variety. Liverpool deserve better. Liverpool deserve new ideas in the dugout.

Jamie Carragher Confident Reds Can Progress Past Benfica In Europa League Quarter-Final

Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher is confident his side can overturn a 2-1 quarter-final loss to Benfica in the Europa League.

The Reds were beaten by the Portuguese giants on Thursday at Estadio Da Luz, but Carragher insists the away goal scored by Daniel Agger will prove crucial to the tie.

"It's good to get the away goal in the first leg, but we have to capitalise on that in the home leg to make it count," Carragher was quoted as saying in the Daily Express.

"At the moment we're behind, but a 1-0 win is enough for us at home and if we can get that, then the away goal will have proved crucial."

Liverpool will have to be wary, however, as they have already lost to Fiorentina and Lyon at Anfield in European fixtures this season - while Benfica have failed to register only once in their last 13 European outings.

However, Carragher believes the sending off of Ryan Babel was an important factor in their first leg loss.

"We're disappointed, but there's still all to play for – it's only half-time," explained the 32-year-old.

"The plan was to keep it tight and nick a goal and we got that goal early on, but obviously then the sending off had a big part to play in the game.

"To play an hour with ten men was always going to be difficult, so although it's still disappointing, a 2-1 result away in Europe is not too bad."

Benayoun Eyes Benfica Boost

Yossi Benayoun admits Liverpool must turn their attention to Benfica after Sunday's disappointing result against Birmingham.

The Reds let a one-goal lead slip at St Andrews to come away with a 1-1 draw which adds to the weight of their tough task of finishing fourth in the Premier League.

Liverpool are now four points behind fourth-placed Manchester City, having played a game extra, and their only chance of salvaging some silverware this season comes in the form of the Europa League.

The Reds must overturn a 2-1 first-leg deficit against Benfica if they are to make the last four of the competition, and Benayoun admits Thursday's return leg needs be their focus following the disappointing result at Birmingham.

"We are very disappointed with the draw, especially as we went 1-0 up and conceded a bad goal," Benayoun told the club's official website.

"We missed a few good chances and on another day we could have scored three or four, but all we can do now is think about the next game which is a very important one against Benfica.

"We have to play much better and have the belief we can do it. We are only 2-1 down and we have the away goal which could be crucial. I'm sure we can beat them.

"European nights are always great at Anfield in front of our supporters and we hope to give them another special night."

With just five games left to play in the Premier League, the Israel international is aware the result leaves the Reds with an uphill struggle to preserve their top-four status, but he insists they will fight to the wire.

"We have made it harder for ourselves now but all we can do is win the five games and hopefully the other teams will drop points," Benayoun said.

"Birmingham are a hard team to play against and they work very hard. They are having a good season. We knew we needed to win but we have to keep going.

"We won't give up and we will keep trying to make the top four."

Liverpool Lead Chase For Rangers Defender Danny Wilson

Liverpool have stepped up their interest in signing Rangers' young defender, Danny Wilson.

The English Premier League side have followed up their initial enquiry, with the 18-year-old yet to sign the new contract on offer to him at Ibrox.

Tottenham Hotspur have a long-standing interest in the player, while both Manchester City and Aston Villa are keeping an eye on his situation.

But Liverpool's interest has been most keenly expressed so far.

And, with just over a year left on Wilson's contract, Rangers may soon have a big decision to make.

It would take somewhere in the region of £3m plus add-ons linked to future appearances or transfers to prise the player away this summer.

However, if he stays until the end of his contract, Rangers could expect to get only about £500,000 in compensation.

Rangers remain hopeful, though, that Wilson will sign the contract they have offered.

The day after the defender scored his first goal for Rangers, in a 4-1 win over Hearts on 27 March, manager Walter Smith said he expected Wilson to follow the example of fellow teenager John Fleck by signing a contract extension in the following days.

However, that did not come to fruition and chief executive Martin Bain last week admitted that the two sides had yet to reach agreement and that Liverpool had made an enquiry.

Wilson has become a first-team regular at Ibrox this season and has made 24 appearances for the Scottish Premier League leaders.

Lazio Full-Back In Liverpool Sights

Lazio defender Aleksandar Kolarov is being tracked by Liverpool.

The People says Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is eyeing the Serbia international defender.

Benitez already has a deal in place for Kolarov's Serbia teammate, Milan Jovanovic, the Standard Liege striker.

And he also fancies free-scoring Kolarov as he seeks a new left-back signing for next season.

Liverpool Ponder Move For Feyenoord Winger Georginio Wijnaldum

Liverpool are considering a summer move for Feyenoord winger Georginio Wijnaldum, according to reports in the Dutch media.

Voetbal Centraal reports that the £8 million-rated player has been watched by the Reds for the last 18 months and may well be keen to follow compatriots Dirk Kuyt and Ryan Babel to Merseyside.

"Dirk Kuyt is my role model. He left Feyenoord when he was the best, I am not that far," Wijnaldum is reported as saying.

It is likely that Reds boss Rafael Benitez will be forced to sell before making any move for the wide man, though with Albert Riera set to leave there may well be some space freed up in the budget.

Wigan Athletic Striker Hugo Rodallega A Target For Liverpool And Arsenal

Liverpool and Arsenal are planning summer swoops for Wigan Athletic star Hugo Rodallega, according to Click Liverpool.

The 24-year-old Colombian has scored nine league goals for the Latics this season and could follow the path of former Wigan star Antonio Valencia, who moved on from the unfancied DW stadium outfit to join one of the league's giants, Manchester United, last summer.

Rodallega refused to be drawn on the speculation surrounding him until the summer market opens, but did hint that a large "established club" is after his services.

"Right now, my head is focused on playing with Wigan, to finish the season well and keep us in the division," Rodallega said, as reported by Click Liverpool.

“There are many rumours about several teams but nothing is concrete until the market opens for players in June.

"It is something that is rumoured and I cannot take it to heart. We're talking about a very large, very established top club that is practically historical in England.

"You have to take it easy and keep things going smoothly while you can accomplish something."

Liverpool would hope to fund the capture of the striker through the sale of Albert Riera to CSKA Moscow, while Arsenal are looking to bolster their attack after injuries to Robin van Persie and Nicklas Bendtner this season exposed their lack of depth in the position.

Celtic Eyeing Loan Move For LFC Starlet

Celtic boss Neil Lennon is chasing Liverpool’s young Spanish striker Danny Pacheco as he lines up players for next season.

Caretaker Lennon is hoping to get the job full-time and sent his spies to watch the talented attacker in action for the Reds' reserves.

Pacheco has yet to make the breakthrough at Anfield and could be farmed out for a season of SPL action.

Lennon will also try to tempt coach Alan Thompson to leave Newcastle and join his set-up.

Dirk Kuyt Believes Maxi Rodriguez Will Get Even Better At Liverpool

Liverpool forward Dirk Kuyt believes that Maxi Rodriguez is starting to show that he is a "top player" who is improving all the time.

The Argentine, a January arrival from Atletico Madrid, has shown signs that he is settling in England in recent performances and Kuyt feels that he has provided some useful competition for places at Anfield.

"I think he's doing better and better," the Dutchman told the Reds' official website.

"For me, Maxi is a quality player and one of the best things is that's he's adapted so quickly.

"He's come from another country and he speaks another language, and still he wants to do his best for the team.

"He's been really important in the games he's played. And him joining us means the squad is a little bit bigger and has definitely improved.

"It means everyone has to challenge even more for his place, and that's always a good thing."

Rodriguez is fortunate to have so many fellow Spanish speakers around him on Merseyside to help him settle in, but Kuyt believes it is the Argentine's quality that is making his adaptation to the Premier League relatively smooth.

He added: "I know the Spanish lads are helping him lots, but you can see the way he's playing he's adapting very quickly and that he's a top player."

Yossi Benayoun Baffled By Liverpool's Decline

The midfielder admits the Reds hopes of qualifying for the Champions League are now out of their own hands after being held to a 1-1 draw at Birmingham which left them four points adrift of fourth-placed Manchester City - having played a game more - with just five matches remaining.

The former West Ham player said: "It is hard to explain. There is a big difference between last season. Performances were much better then and we had more confidence. This season we started badly in the very first game."

He added: "Yes, there was a moment when we thought we were coming back but then we disappointed ourselves with a few bad games.

"It is very difficult when you are not close to the top and you do not feel as if you have the chance to win something. It is disappointing but we will keep going.

"We are fighting for fourth place. I know it is important but it just isn't the same. We have made it harder but all we can do is play the last five games and see what happens.

"We are now depending on other results and this makes it more difficult. It was a big chance at Birmingham. They are a good team but we had to win, especially after Tottenham lost at Sunderland.

"We have to keep believing but it is very disappointing. All we can do now is think about the next game. We know we need to win and we have to play much better."

Striker Fernando Torres looked unhappy at being substituted midway through the second half shortly after Liam Ridgewell's goal had cancelled out Reds skipper Steven Gerrard's opener.

But Benayoun said: "Substitutions are part of the game and it is the job of the manager to do what he thinks is best for the team."

Liverpool Are Not Good Enough To Finish Fourth - Steve Nicol

The term 'cult-hero' in football is usually reserved for those who find favour amongst supporters despite a lack of obvious ability or achievement. At Liverpool, for example, the tag has been reserved for the likes of Igor Biscan, Djimi Traore and Pegguy Arphexad, who offered more comedy than quality.

Steve Nicol, however, is the exception to that rule. Adored by Reds fans as much for his antics off the pitch - shenanigans which form the staple of most ex-players' after-dinner speeches - his CV, nevertheless, speaks for itself. That he made more than 450 appearances and won nine major honours, is impressive enough. Throw in his 1989 PFA Player of the Year award - achieved from the unfashionable position of full-back - and you have a true Liverpool legend.

Nicol, 48, now coaches MLS side New England Revolution, having made the trek across the Atlantic 11 years ago, but keeps a close eye on events back in England, thanks to numerous cable TV channels. And the Scotsman told Goal.com UK that it still hurts to see his former club lose, even 15 years on from his departure.

"Oh it kills me to see Liverpool lose," he said. "Absolutely. Of course it does. As a Liverpool supporter, all you want is for them to be successful. It absolutely kills you to see them lose, and this season has been especially tough."

Rafael Benitez's men are currently struggling to achieve the top-four finish which will guarantee Champions League football at Anfield next season, sitting four points behind an upwardly-mobile Manchester City. And Nicol believes that Roberto Mancini's side have the capacity to deny Liverpool their place at the top table next season.

"I don't think Liverpool will get fourth now," he revealed. "Manchester City were looking a bit shaky, and I think if it wasn’t for [Carlos] Tevez they would have no chance. But if he stays healthy then they have a great chance, and they are in the best position right now.

"Tottenham? They have a tough run-in of course, but they are a side that will always score goals and create chances. With Liverpool, you just don’t know what you’re going to get. There is a real inconsistency there."

The Reds' latest set-back, a 1-1 draw with Birmingham City on Sunday, means that Benitez's side are relying on both City and Spurs slipping up if they are to sneak into the top four, and Nicol is in no doubt as to the reason for Liverpool's struggles this season.

"The bottom line is that, compared with the teams above them, their squad of players isn’t good enough," he said. "I mean, take Pepe Reina, Jamie Carragher, Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres out of the equation, and how many players would be in Chelsea’s team? Or Manchester United’s? It’s not many.

"From halfway on last season, it seemed that the shackles came off and they were going after teams and playing their football with enjoyment. Then when this season started it seemed that all that had gone."

And it is not just on the field that the club is suffering. Liverpool's problems off-the-field are well-publicised - a reported club debt of £237 million has led to numerous cut-backs in terms of budget and further delays to the building of a new stadium - and Nicol believes that those within the club need to accept more responsibility for the problems, on and off the pitch.

“Of course we do not know what is going on within the club, we can only speculate," he said. "But the fact that Liverpool are not challenging for the title shows that something, somewhere, is not right. The league table alone can tell you that.

"Which part? Well hopefully someone within the club knows. They certainly should do, because that is what they there for. And hopefully they can fix it."

Of course, it is not all bad news for Liverpool supporters. The form of Fernando Torres has illuminated an otherwise gloomy campaign, with the former Atletico Madrid man netting 20 goals already this season. And Nicol believes the Spanish striker already deserves to be mentioned among the kind of Anfield greats with which he himself shared a pitch in the 1980s.

"I was lucky enough to see two really great sides, if you like," he said. "When I first joined we had people like Graeme Souness, Kenny Dalglish, Ray Kennedy, and Terry McDermott in the side, and then later under Kenny we had John Barnes, Peter Beardsley, Ian Rush. It would be impossible to pick just one player as being the best.

“As for Torres, I think he can already be safely mentioned amongst those players. His record is phenomenal and he still has time on his side, he is one of the best around already that’s for sure."

Match Report: Birmingham 1 - 1 Liverpool

Liverpool's hopes of securing a Champions League spot are hanging by a slender thread after Birmingham defender Liam Ridgewell earned his side a share of the spoils at St. Andrew's.

Reds skipper Steven Gerrard put his side ahead a minute into the second half but Ridgewell levelled matters nine minutes later.

It means Rafael Benitez's side are four points adrift of fourth-placed Manchester City and have played a game more.

And the Spaniard is still searching for a first Barclays Premier League victory over Blues in eight attempts spanning his six seasons at Anfield.

Birmingham again showed the resilience which has been their trademark in preserving a seven-month unbeaten home record.

And the share of the spoils with Liverpool means they have drawn at St. Andrews with every one of the current top six this season.

Benitez made three changes from the side beaten at Benfica in the Europa League on Thursday with Sotirios Kyrgiakos, Yossi Benayoun and Maxi Rodriguez replacing Daniel Agger, Javier Mascherano and Ryan Babel respectively.

Blues boss Alex McLeish fielded an unchanged side as he kept faith with the players who had held Arsenal to a 1-1 draw.

The first half-chance fell to the in-form Fernando Torres after he was picked out by a pass from Maxi Rodriguez but his first touch was surprisingly poor and took him away from goal.

Gerrard was operating mainly in a deeper role but he ventured forward to find the overlapping Rodriguez in space only for his shot to be blocked by Roger Johnson.

Torres tried his luck from 30 yards out but his curler was high and wide of Hart's goal.

Then after 35 minutes Joe Hart produced a superb reflex save to prevent Rodriguez from giving the Reds the lead.

Torres was the creator with a menacing dipping cross and Rodriguez's powerful first-time shot from 10 yards out was tipped onto the crossbar by the on-loan Manchester City keeper.

The game started to come to life and Jose Reina beat out a shot from Cameron Jerome at the expense of a corner, although the striker appeared to be offside.

Then Reina failed to deal with a deep centre from James McFadden and Johnson's header at the far post was only just off target.

Lucas became the first player to be booked after 38 minutes for a shirt pull at McFadden.

Gerrard needed only a minute of the second half to break the deadlock although there was an element of fortune about the goal.

Glen Johnson's attempted shot was well off target but dropped nicely into the path of Gerrard on the left side of the Birmingham box.

The England player had time to cut inside before unleashing a fierce cross-shot which flew into the corner of the net.

Keith Fahey became the first Birmingham player to be yellow-carded after 51 minutes for a challenge on Lucas but Gerrard's free-kick flew well wide.

Birmingham responded in positive fashion to going behind, with full-backs Stephen Carr and Liam Ridgewell getting forward at every opportunity.

And after 56 minutes Ridgewell brought the home side back on level terms.

Former Everton player McFadden was the creator with some neat trickery on the right flank before floating over a teasing cross which left Ridgewell with the simplest of tasks from close range.

Benitez made his first change after 65 minutes with David N'Gog replacing Torres, who looked far from happy at being taken off.

N'Gog was greeted with a crescendo of boos from the Blues fans after winning a controversial penalty in the 2-2 draw at Anfield earlier in the season.

N'Gog had a great chance to restore Liverpool's lead but he headed wide when well placed from Johnson's cross.

Then Lee Bowyer was guilty of an even more glaring miss. Ridgewell's cross found him unmarked six yards out but he poked the ball wide with the goal at his mercy.

N'Gog squandered another golden chance, drilling his shot wide from 12 yards after Dirk Kuyt had dispossessed Bowyer to set up the opportunity.

Substitute Alberto Aquilani inadvertently blocked a close-range shot from Rodriguez as the visitors searched for a late winner.

Rafael Benitez Pleased With ‘Great Performance’ Against Birmingham City

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has praised his side following Sunday’s 1-1 draw away to Birmingham City.

The Reds took the lead through Steven Gerrard just a minute into the second half but were denied the win after Liam Ridgewell’s close range equaliser.

Yet despite dropping points in the race to grab fourth place and the last Champions League spot, the Liverpool boss insisted he was happy with his team's display.

"It was a great performance, we had a great chance in the first-half and in the second-half you can see at the end we have a lot of chances," Benitez told BBC Sport.

The Reds boss also admitted he was frustrated at the "silly" goal conceded by his side but was happy with his players’ response after Liam Ridgewell’s equaliser.

Benitez added: "It was a silly goal, when you concede, it is not the best but in this way it's the worst.

"The reaction of the team was good, we were attacking and creating a lot of chances.

"We are disappointed because it was a good performance."

Fernando Torres was replaced by David Ngog after 65 minutes and Benitez explained that he substituted the Spaniard because of tiredness.

He added: "He [Torres] was exhausted, we played 60 minutes with 10 players the other day.

"[David] Ngog was good for us because he was a pair of fresh legs. His movement was good for the team."

Rafa Explains Torres Call

Rafa Benitez insists his decision to substitute Fernando Torres at Birmingham in Sunday's draw was simply an attempt to freshen up his flagging Liverpool side.

With the game evenly poised at 1-1 with 25 minutes left to play the Spaniard surprised everyone in St Andrews with his decision to withdraw Torres in favour of David Ngog.

Torres has been in fine form since his return from injury and while Benitez will point to an exerting Europa League tie on Thursday that saw Liverpool play for an hour with 10 men, his front-man looked perplexed by the decision.

Benitez thought his star striker looked tired and was in no mood to make apologies for his call post-match. Of the impression Ngog played well in his cameo off the bench, Benitez insists there is no reason for Torres to feel aggrieved.

"He was tired, he was really tired," Benitez told Sky Sports. "We needed fresh legs so I went with Ngog.

"It was a really good substitution because he was working very hard and had a few chances, so perhaps the movement and energy he had made him fresher.

"Sometimes maybe the player wants to play 90 minutes but we needed the energy and I think Ngog was really good."

The stalemate leaves Liverpool four points off Manchester City in fourth, and three behind Tottenham in fifth, with both having played a game less than Benitez's side.

Benitez concedes his team have it all to do if they are to secure UEFA Champions League football for next season but is adamant there is still plenty to play for between now and the end of the season.

"Tottenham and Man City are in a better position but there are still many games to play. We have to win our games and then see where we are," he continued.

"We were talking about winning the six games or maybe drawing one. Now we have drawn the one so we need to win the other five.

"It was a pity, it was a great performance from the team. We made a lot of chances in the first half and then in the second half. We had to win."

Liverpool's Hopes Of Fourth Spot Fading Fast

Liverpool's chances of playing in the Champions League next season receded further on Sunday when a 1-1 draw at Birmingham City left them four points adrift of fourth spot in the Premier League.

Steven Gerrard gave Liverpool the lead two minutes into the second half but they were pegged back nine minutes later when Liam Ridgewell headed the home side level and visiting fans were left exasperated after Spain striker Fernando Torres was substituted.

Liverpool remain in sixth place with 55 points from 33 games played with Tottenham Hotspur in fifth place on 58 from 32 and Manchester City, who are now favourites to grab fourth after a 6-1 thrashing of Burnley on Saturday, on 59 from 32.

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez claimed tiredness was the reason he withdrew leading scorer Torres at Birmingham with 25 minutes to go -- a decision which left the striker, who has netted 18 league goals this season, shaking his head.

"He was exhausted, we played 60 minutes with 10 players the other day," Benitez, whose side will try to overturn a 2-1 deficit at home to Benfica in the Europa League on Thursday, told the BBC. "(David) Ngog was good for us because he was a pair of fresh legs. His movement was good for the team.

"We had Ryan Babel ready, Dirk Kuyt and Maxi Rodriguez so we had enough people in attack."

Ngog failed to convert two glorious chances to put Liverpool back in front shortly after replacing Torres, adding to the disquiet amongst the visiting fans.

After a dull first half Gerrard ended his recent goal famine to shoot Liverpool in front with a pinpoint finish but the visitors were guilty of poor defending as the unmarked Ridgewell equalised, bundling in a James McFadden cross at the far post.

"It was a silly goal, when you concede, it is not the best but in this way it's the worst," added Benitez. "The reaction of the team was good, we were attacking and creating a lot of chances. We are disappointed because it was a good performance."

Liverpool joined Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur in failing to win at Birmingham this season and with just five games left, three of them away, they are now long shots to claim fourth place.

Alan Hansen Predicts Fernando Torres Will Fire Liverpool To Europa League Victory Over Benfica

Former Liverpool FC player Alan Hansen is convinced the Reds will clinch a place in the Europa League semi-finals as Fernando Torres is back on song.

Torres heads into the first leg match against Benfica in Portugal on Thursday night on the back of scoring a brace in the victory over Sunderland on Sunday.

Hansen was impressed with the Spaniard’s contribution.

He said: "If Liverpool are going to do anything in the battle for fourth spot or the Europa League then obviously Torres and Steven Gerrard have got to be fit. It looks as though the two are fit.

"It was probably the best performance of the season on Sunday. The form Torres has shown over the last couple of matches proves that he is match fit.

"The sharpness is back, he scored a fantastic goal as well as a great goal against Manchester United."

Another Liverpool FC legend Roger Hunt, who helped England win the 1966 World Cup, is also a fan of Torres.

He said: "I would have loved to have played alongside Torres as he is a bit special.

"My only worry is if England get to meet Spain in the World Cup then we will have to face him."

Benfica thrashed Everton FC 5-0 in the group stages but Hansen believes Liverpool FC will have the edge in the quarter-finals.

"I played against Benfica three times and Liverpool have a great record against them,” he said.

"Obviously it is going to be tough but Liverpool can go there with renewed confidence and hopefully get the right result to bring them back to Anfield.

"With a big crowd and a big European night at Anfield with a great atmosphere, I can’t foresee any problems. So I think Liverpool will get to the semi-final."

Benfica To Offer Liverpool Flop Way Out Of Anfield

Benfica are set to offer Diego Cavalieri an escape route out of Liverpool this summer.

The Brazilian keeper has endured a nightmare spell since joining from Palmeiras in 2008 and has made just four appearances.

Pepe Reina remains the club’s No.1 and that has ­restricted Cavalieri to a ­bit-part role.

The Portuguese club had talks with Liverpool after their 2-1 win on Thursday.

Liverpool In New £150m Mega Shirt Deal With Adidas

Liverpool are set for a much needed £150million cash injection from sportswear giants Adidas, according to a report in the News of the World this morning.

The current deal between Adidas and Liverpool, worth £12m-a-season, has two years to run but discussions are underway over a new ten-year deal.

Along with Manchester United, Liverpool have massive amounts of worldwide shirt sales and Adidas have told managing director Christian Purslow that they are eager to start negotiations.

The News of the World fail to add whether Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez will see any of this cash injection but some of the £15m a year fee could well find itself in the transfer kitty of whoever is in charge at Anfield.

Chris Bascombe adds in the Sunday tabloid that "Adidas also believe star names including Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard will stay beyond this summer, so are moving swiftly to protect their lucrative partnership."