Source: SKY_Sports
Aurelio wants title focus
Fabio Aurelio has called on Liverpool to focus on their Premier League title quest and move on from their UEFA Champions League exit.
The Reds exited Europe at the quarter-final stage after an epic battle with Chelsea, with the second leg at Stamford Bridge ending 4-4 to send the Blues through 7-5 on aggregate.
Rafa Benitez's men came close to producing another astonishing European fightback before finally being undone by their top-flight rivals.
Full-back Aurelio insists Liverpool should take heart from their display in West London as they look to overhaul Manchester United at the Premier League summit over the final six games of the season.
He told the club's official website: "We showed that we are a great side against Chelsea. It's not easy to come to Stamford Bridge and score four goals like we did and we had chances right up until the end.
"I think all of us believed we could do it. We showed what we needed to, especially in the first-half when we controlled the game.
"They scored two early goals in the second-half and had more control, but even when we were behind we had the mentality to keep believing.
"Unfortunately it was not to be this time, but I think we did what we could and Chelsea deserve credit too because they showed they are a strong team.
"Of course it is hurtful to lose in the way we did, but we still have the Premier League to fight for. We have to focus on that now and believe."
Aurelio revealed how his opening goal against the Blues, when he caught goalkeeper Petr Cech off-guard with a quick free-kick to the near post, was a result of Liverpool's meticulous pre-match preparation.
He added: "It was mentioned before the game by our goalkeeping coach Xavi Valero that Cech positions himself early for crosses.
"When I stepped up to take the free-kick, I noticed he was already in a position to wait for a cross, as were the men in the wall, so the space was there to try a shot.
"It was agreed beforehand that we would attempt it because even if the goalkeeper were to save it, he would position himself closer to the goal for the next free-kick and leave our players with more space to attack the cross inside the box.
"Fortunately it came off and was part of a good beginning for us."
