Source: SKY_Sports
Benitez blasts below-par Reds
// A bit of a hack but it works// The article snippet is wrapped onto a second line, even when #article-sub is emptyif( $("div#article-sub").children().length == 0 ) {$("div#article-sub").remove();} Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez blasted his side's performance following the 2-0 defeat at Fiorentina in the UEFA Champions League.[LNB] The Reds were soundly beaten at Artemio Franchi as teenager Stevan Jovetic scored both goals in the first half of the Group E encounter.[LNB]Benitez's team, who won the competition in 2005, improved after half-time, with Lucas Leiva wasting a glorious headed opportunity, but there was no way back.[LNB]The former Valencia boss confessed that his team were second-best in every area of the pitch in Florence.[LNB]Benitez told Sky Sports: "We were giving the ball away, they were regaining and playing counter-attacks.[LNB]"We were not winning any second ball or challenges.[LNB]Carragher frustration"In the second half we had chances at the start. You can see the difference in football if you take your chances, like they did in the first half.[LNB]He added: "We were disappointed, everyone was disappointed. You cannot play at this level because it is the Champions League and you know the other team is good.[LNB]Benitez did not want to blame the defeat on the absence of injured midfielder Javier Mascherano.[LNB]The Spaniard said: "We had too many problems, not just one player. We were not the best in any part of the pitch.[LNB]"If we had scored in the first minute, it would have been completely different with the way we were playing. Again, in football, if you want to win, you have to score.[LNB]He added: "I was really disappointed because we were talking a few days before.[LNB]Bounce back"We knew that they were a good team and were organised and played good counter-attacks.[LNB]"We were giving the ball away all the time and giving them good chances to go behind our defenders."[LNB]Defender Jamie Carragher admitted the Reds were well beaten by Fiorentina, but is confident of bouncing back.[LNB]He said: "We didn't perform well enough, we know that. We were slightly better second half, but still not good enough."[LNB]Carragher added: "Nothing went to plan. It was a massive game for them, and a massive game for us, but they seemed to be more ready for it from the start, for whatever reason.[LNB]"It is something we have got to sort out but fortunately in the Champions League we have still got four games to put that right."[LNB]
