Rafa's eyes on prize as boss refuses to see Europa League as anti-climax

Trophy target: Benitez wants the Europa LeagueLiverpool manager Rafa Benitez insists he will be going all out to win the Europa League to lift the gloom over Anfield.Europe's second club competition has plenty of critics but Benitez is desperate to get his hands on the trophy in May.The Reds travel to Romania with a 1-0 lead over Unirea Urziceni from the first leg of their last-32 tie.And Benitez said: 'We know it has not been a good season, but all teams go through periods like this.'When you win a European competition it is always very important. Stevie Gerrard and Jamie Carragher have that experience, also it is something I know from Valencia.'If you cannot be in the Champions League, you do your best in this tournament and we would love to give a trophy to our fans.David Ngog scored the winner in last week's first leg and Benitez added: 'The attitude of the players has been fantastic. It was massive to see the way they reacted to going out of the Champions League.' Liverpool are just living in the past while Man City are the future, insists BarrySpurs, Liverpool, Man City or Villa? The lowdown on the race for fourth placeGRAHAM POLL: Mascherano's tackle on Barry is worth a five-match ban Crocked Johnson set to hand Liverpool major boost with first-team returnLiverpool must find cutting edge to win race for fourth spot, insists BenayounLIVERPOOL FC

Source: Daily_Mail