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Rafael Benitez still targets fourth despite Wigan loss
9 Mar 2010
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez vowed to carry on fighting in the club's battle for Champions League football despite suffering a significant blow in the 1-0 defeat at Wigan.
Hugo Rodallega's eighth goal of the season in the 35th minute - after Dirk Kuyt had given the ball away near his own penalty area - proved decisive.
And there is a possibility captain Steven Gerrard could well face 'trial by television' after it was suggested last night he flashed a v-sign at referee Andre Marriner after his late booking.
Benitez said he did not see any incident as "it was too far away" while Liverpool officials have denied any wrongdoing on Gerrard's part.
Liverpool were terrible against the Latics in the first half and only marginally better after the break.
But even after passing up the chance to move back into fourth Benitez said his sixth-placed side would continue to claw back lost ground on the likes of Tottenham and Manchester City.
"We have to keep going. We have an important game on Thursday (against Lille in the Europa League) and then we have to keep going and keep winning games if we can," he said.
Reader views (5)
CL is beyond Liverpool now, I think Liverpool should think about hanging on to their star players in order to rebuild next season with a different manager and approach. I don't think certain players enjoy playing for Liverpool especially under Benitez and his system
- Hilton, Accra, 09/03/2010 16:16
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Benitez and Liverpool will be better off when they understand Liverpool are only a little club,heading towards relegations in a season or two.But the Town can still be proud,after all.they still have Everton flying the flag.
- Dave, london, 09/03/2010 16:11
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I wouldn't worry guys, Two Man Team have still to play West Ham at home, and, aside from continually capitulating to ALL of our rivals (thanks again for last night, magic result), they always, always, ALWAYS turn it on for that one.
- Stu, Homeless. Still looking., 09/03/2010 15:46
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rafa is becoming the laughing stock of the football world, he spends 20 million on a player to leave him rotting on the bench, while rubbish like lucas plays. liverpool have not scored more than 2 goals in the prem since sept, and havent hit the net at all in their last 4 away games, they will be lucky at this rate to finish in 8th spot. to say his tactics and team selection are rubbish is putting it mildly. he is ruining so many decent players at the club its untrue..time for him to walk away with his cash
- Steve, thailand, 09/03/2010 12:24
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Benitez promised CL football next season and he's not going to deliver. It's the first time a Liverpool Manager has made an offer of 4th place to the the fans in their entire existence. What a come down. I don't think they will achieve it. Gerrard looks half the player he was last season.
- Kevin, London, 09/03/2010 10:24
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