Source: Team_Talk
Rafa and Carra want Reds to fight on
Rafael Benitez and Jamie Carragher insist Liverpool can finish the season strongly, despite all but admitting defeat in their top-four chase.[LNB] The Reds' hopes of finishing in the Premier League top four are virtually over after they were held to a frustrating goalless draw by Fulham at Anfield on Sunday.[LNB]The result left them sixth and trailing fourth-placed Manchester City by six points with just four games remaining and having played once more than the Eastlands outfit.[LNB]Liverpool still have the Europa League semi-finals to look forward to but, adding to their woe, it was revealed star striker Fernando Torres is to visit a specialist for assessment of his knee injury.[LNB]Manager Benitez said: "We have to keep going but they have to make mistakes, two or three teams, and the difference is maybe too much now."[LNB]Benitez infamously gave a "guarantee" earlier this season that Liverpool would finish in the top four, but when asked if he now regretted that remark he did not answer directly.[LNB]"As a manager, you have to believe and support your team," he said. "We have to keep going."[LNB]Veteran defender Carragher agreed the top four positions may now be out of reach but was not prepared to give up on the closing games.[LNB]The 32-year-old said: "Until we are certainly out of it, we will have to keep going for the top four.[LNB]"But we have made it a lot more difficult for ourselves and nobody will be expecting top four from us.[LNB]"We will see where we go. It might put more pressure on the teams expecting top four and maybe that might work in our favour.[LNB]"We had two targets, top four and Europa League. Top four is looking a bit difficult now but the Europa League is all to play for.[LNB]"If we could finish with a trophy, it has been a tough season, but that would finish it nicely for us."[LNB]Liverpool dominated but badly missed the firepower of top scorer Torres, who failed to feature despite Benitez's hopes his injury was not serious.[LNB]Torres scored twice against Benfica on Thursday but showed signs of discomfort throughout and the club are now waiting learn the full extent.[LNB]"We don't know really," said Benitez. "It depends on the specialists."
