Source: Telegraph
Liverpool got what they deserved with Champions League exit, says Gary Neville
Neville has wasted little time in mocking Liverpool for their Champions League elimination by claiming that the five-times European champions 'got what they deserved' with their early exit from the competition.[LNB]While Rafael Benítez's players must now prepare for the Europa League in the new year after finishing third in Group E, Neville and Manchester United travel to Wolfsburg next month aiming to secure the draw that will guarantee top spot in Group B, plus a seeding in the last-16 draw, for Sir Alex Ferguson's team.[LNB] Related ArticlesRuud van Nistelrooy favours Liverpool over ArsenalLiverpool's video nasty sees Neville as Rat BoyNeville builders create Liverpool shrine under player's poolEngland's 2018 World Cup bid's unlikely cheerleadersDaily Bung: Gary Neville can buy his own fridgeLiverpool v Man Utd: quotesUnited's 1-0 home defeat against Besiktas on Wednesday denied them the opportunity to confirm top spot prior to the trip to the Wolfsburg Arena on Dec 8.[LNB]But with United's progression to the knockout stages already assured, Neville's well-documented antipathy towards Liverpool has resurfaced with the United captain admitting he has little sympathy for the Anfield club's fall from grace.[LNB]Neville said: 'You get what you deserve as a team, don't you? We are where we are because we deserve to be there and it is the same with Liverpool.[LNB]'We went out of the competition ourselves after the group stage a few years back [2005] and they haven't performed well enough in the Champions League this season to get the results. Simple as that.'[LNB]Although United remain favourites to win their group, the advantages of claiming top spot appear less obvious than in previous campaigns.[LNB]With European heavyweights such as Real Madrid and AC Milan paired in Group C and Barcelona and Inter Milan likely to emerge from Group F, United could still be paired with a serious contender for the Champions League title whether they finish first or second.[LNB]But Neville, a Champions League winner in 1999, claims that United will travel to Germany determined to qualify as group winners.[LNB]He said: 'Is top spot important? It depends. You can finish second and get a favourable draw or you can finish top and get a disastrous draw.[LNB]'It will be difficult whoever we get drawn against in the next round, but for our pride and the way we like to do things, we want to finish top. We need to go to Wolfsburg and get a result.'[LNB]Meanwhile, Nemanja Vidic, the United defender, has reiterated his commitment to the club, despite continuing speculation that he and his family are unsettled in Manchester.[LNB]The Serbia international is contracted to United until 2012, but a loss of form in recent months, combined with the rise to prominence of Jonny Evans, has clouded his future.[LNB]The 28 year-old insists he has no plans to leave Old Trafford, however, and has even revealed that he would be happy to stay on beyond his current contract.[LNB]Vidic said: 'It [the new contract] depends on the club. We will see what happens. [LNB]'I am glad to be part of this club for so many years and, if I can be a part of the thing [the future], I would be very happy.[LNB]'I am here and I am happy. I think I have shown in the games that I want to be part of the team and to play 100 per cent in every game.'[LNB]
