Source: Telegraph
Liverpool: Champions League verdict
VERDICT[LNB]In terms of results, Liverpool performed abysmally, although their main weakness was a lack of concentration. They were steamrollered in Florence, but matched Lyon home and away, as well as Fiorentina at Anfield, before conceding late goals. Those lost four points demoted the 2007 finalists to the Europa League. [LNB]LESSONS LEARNT[LNB]Do not underestimate the quality of your opposition. Lyon, Fiorentina and Debrecen looked an easy group, and Liverpool, to their cost, treated it as such. Even their performances against Debrecen, who failed to take a point, were hardly coruscating. [LNB]WHAT NEXT? [LNB]Liverpool's main task for the rest of the season is to ensure they are in the Champions League next year, no easy feat given their form and the improvement at Manchester City, Tottenham and Aston Villa. But they have a European reputation to rehabilitate, too, and so a good Europa League run is essential. Benitez needs a trophy. [LNB]PLAYER WHO SHONE [LNB]Martin Kelly's debut, at home to Lyon, was assured, while Javier Mascherano came to the fore in the final stages. [LNB]PLAYERS WHO DIDN'T[LNB]Few can be absolved from blame. Apart from Pepe Reina and Fernando Torres, Liverpool let themselves down en masse. [LNB]
