• Liverpool manager could not hide disappointment after
1-0 loss
• 'We have to keep going for fourth place,' said Benítez
Rattled: Rafa Benitez
Rafael Benítez
cut a dejected figure as Liverpool's
Champions League ambitions suffered a serious setback with a 1-0
defeat at Wigan Athletic
last night, though he mustered enough venom to condemn his
players for the attitude and lack of character they displayed at
the DW Stadium. "We didn't show the right attitude and even though
we worked harder in the second half, we played without game
intelligence," complained the Liverpool manager.
Wigan's first ever league win over Liverpool has left the
Anfield club in a precarious position. Hugo Rodallega's first-half
goal gave Roberto Martínez's side a major fillip in their bid to
avoid relegation, but Wigan's emotions were in stark contrast to
Benítez.
The Liverpool manager added: "We didn't do anything in the first
half. The attitude was much better in the second half but it wasn't
enough. It is difficult to explain because we prepared for the game
properly. We knew Wigan would play in this way but there were too
many things from us that I cannot understand."
I don't believe it: Liverpool striker Fernando
Torres cuts a dejected figure as he lies on the ground after
missing another opportunity
Liverpool denied Steven Gerrard's gesture was
directed towards referee Andre Marriner.
Liverpool had five players booked on the night and
Steven Gerrard was pictured raising two fingers after he was shown
a yellow card for a foul on the impressive 19-year-old, James
McCarthy. Liverpool later denied the gesture was intended to be
offensive or was directed at the match referee, Andre
Marriner.
"We have to keep going for fourth place," added Benítez, who had
described this fixture as a must-win before kick-off. "That is all
we can do. You can have good and bad times but we had to do better
tonight on what was a crucial moment."
