Gerrard aims for Europa success with Reds
Steven Gerrard was helpless as Liverpool crashed out of the Champions League
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By Darren Estwick. |  |
Wednesday, 25, Nov 2009 10:21
By Matt Hallam.
Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard wants his team to go on and win the Uefa Europa League after crashing out of the Champions League.
David Ngog's goal gave Liverpool victory over Debrecen, however it was Fiorentina who progressed to the last 16 by defeating Lyon.
Their failure to progress from the group stages sums up a disastrous first-half of the season for the five-time European champions, with Gerrard admitting it was a major blow.
"Of course it's disappointing, we played fantastically well tonight and despite getting three points we don't progress," he said.
"The disappointing thing was having to rely on other people.
"The Champions League is the main trophy at the start of the season but the only consolation now is to try and win the Europa League," he added.
Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez praised his side's performance against Debrecen and highlighted earlier performances against Lyon and Fiorentina as the results that had led to his team's failure to progress from group E.
"We played well and created four or five chances," he said.
"Our job was to win. We won and we could not control the other game.
"I think we paid because of the two late goals we conceded [against Lyon]. It made a massive difference," he added.
It is the first time that Benitez has failed to take Liverpool into the last 16, however managing director Christian Purslow was adamant that the result would have no bearing of the Spaniard's position as manager.
"You can never predict last-minute goals," he said.
"Two games have cost us dear in the Champions League this season but that is no basis to make managerial decisions on."