Benitez remains defiant on Europe

A defiant Rafael Benitez has insisted that Liverpool can still qualify for the knockout stages of the Champions League despite another disastrous European defeat.

Besiktas consigned last season's beaten finalists to a 2-1 defeat in Istanbul which sees them plunge to the bottom of Group A and needing to win their remaining three games to reach the last 16 in European club football's most prestigious competition.

Having only picked up a point at FC Porto, Liverpool know they need to pick up points fast even if they are to have the consolation of playing in the Uefa Cup in the New Year.

But Benitez is refusing to panic, telling reporters: "Obviously it is very difficult now for us to get through but I believe we still can. There are three games left and we must win all three, but we can do that."

Captain Steven Gerrard's late header came too late to earn Liverpool a share of the spoils after Jamie Carragher's own goal and a strike from Bobo had given Besiktas a two-goal lead.

The Reds boss added: "If we continue to play like we did in this match, with so much dominance, we have a chance. I do not see this as a test for me as a manager, this is football, if you keep doing the right things like we did here, we will achieve what we want."

Liverpool face Besiktas next at Anfield in a fortnight before entertaining FC Porto on November 28 before a tricky trip to Marseille on December 11.

And Benitez has received the backing of Reds co-owner Tom Hicks in the wake of criticism of the Spaniard's rotation policy.

Hicks said: "We back Rafa. He's the right manager. Rafa's rotation has been his policy for three years.

"Rafa's ability to coach and manage in the Champions League should be unquestioned. We had a disappointing loss because we got outplayed by the Turks.

"I think we have our work cut out, but yes we can qualify. We have to win the next three games."

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