Reds urged to take chance to hit back

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has told his players to tackle tonight's Europa League last-16 first-leg tie against Lille as if it was their "most important game of the season".

By The Newsroom

Published 11th Mar 2010, 09:05 BST

Updated 11th Mar 2010, 09:05 BST

After Monday's diabolical performance in the 1-0 defeat to Wigan – described by Benitez as "a blip" – the Reds' hopes of securing a top-four finish in the Barclays Premier League have diminished considerably.

As a result the Europa League – a consolation prize for an early exit from this season's Champions League – represents the club's only realistic chance of success.

Benitez said: "A game right now will be a chance for the players to show their character.

"It was a surprise and hopefully this result (Wigan) is just a blip and we will see the real Liverpool on Thursday."

Fulham will be without captain Danny Murphy for the first leg of their last-16 tie against Serie A Juventus in Turin.

The Cottagers' captain was sent off in the previous round against Shakhtar Donetsk and misses out along with Nicky Shorey and Stefano Okaka, who are both cup-tied.