Liverpool boss Benitez upbeat after defeat at Lille

Despite going down to French outfit Lille 1-0 in the Europa League’s Round of 16, Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez remained positive after the match.

The Spanish tactician believed his side improved dramatically from the 1-0 league loss to Wigan on Monday and thanked his players for a strong effort against a side who showed plenty.

“It was an improvement from the last game. The players' reaction has been very positive," said Benitez.

"I am disappointed with the result but really pleased with the effort of the players. They were fantastic today. It was against a good team on a difficult pitch. The reaction has been good.

"I think Lille started really well. We knew they had pace - you can watch videos but until you see them on the pitch you don't see the pace they have.

"It was difficult to stop them but little by little we had more control.

"When we had that control and were going forward we conceded the goal."

Benitez was, however, disappointed in the fact his side did not make the most of the chances they had to score a vital away goal.

"When you play away you have to score when you have chances. To score an early goal you can manage the game but we worked hard today,” he added.

"To have two or three chances to score and then concede a [goal to a] free-kick...we have to be positive.

"It is clear, particularly in this competition, you have to score away because it is an advantage. We were just not strong enough today but there is still 90 minutes to play.”

And he was confident the Reds would push through to the quarter finals with a home win in front of a strong crowd.

"I am confident we can beat anyone at Anfield on our day with the fans behind us,” he added further.

"In every top side, especially when you are not having a good season, every game is important.

"We have to be ready for Monday's Premier League match against Portsmouth and to win and then be ready for 90 minutes in the Europa League."