Source: Liverpool_Echo
Rafa Benitez admits Premier League fourth place is out of Liverpool FC's hands
RAFA BENITEZ has all but admitted defeat in the fight for fourth place.[LNB]A goalless draw with Fulham at Anfield yesterday meant Liverpool failed to keep up the pressure in the hunt for the final Champions League place.[LNB]Despite being in FA Cup action yesterday, Tottenham remain two points ahead of Liverpool with two games in hand while Aston Villa are just two points behind the Reds with two extra games to play.[LNB]It is Manchester City though who remain in pole position to claim fourth.[LNB]An emphatic 5-1 win over Birmingham yesterday saw Roberto Mancini's side go six points clear of Liverpool with a game in hand.[LNB]With just 12 points left to play for Benitez knows Liverpool need a miracle to finish above their rivals.[LNB]After seeing his team's dominance of Fulham come to nothing, Benitez didn't even wait to be asked about the club's prospects of playing Champions League football next season.[LNB]'Fourth position?' he said. 'It will be very difficult now.[LNB]'It is not in our hands. It depends on the other teams. The difference (in points) is maybe too much now.'[LNB]Earlier this season Benitez guaranteed Liverpool would finish in the top four.[LNB]He was forced to defend those comments yesterday.[LNB]'It is very difficult now,' he repeated. 'You have to be realistic. But as a manager you always have to believe and support your team, especially at the time when I said this.[LNB]'Now, we have to keep going but it is clear that it is more difficult.[LNB]'A six point gap, plus Manchester City's game in hand, makes it difficult. Even if they don't win that game there is Tottenham to think about.'
