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• Players have reacted to criticism from Benítez, Gerrard says
• Liverpool hope to maintain form at Old Trafford on Sunday

Liverpool’s captain, Steven Gerrard, believes the dressing-down the players received from Rafael Benítez last week played a key role in their run to the Europa League quarter-finals.

Gerrard scored the early penalty that paved the way for his side’s 3-0 win over Lille at Anfield and, coming after Monday’s 4-1 league win over Portsmouth, Gerrard believes a corner has been turned.

“He [Benítez] is the manager and he’s allowed to criticise the team at the right time,” Gerrard told Five. “But I think the reaction over the last two games has been superb and the plan is to maintain it on Sunday against Man United.”

Gerrard knows the importance of maintaining his side’s good recent run against United if they are to continue their push for the fourth Champions League place and added: “It was vital this game didn’t go to extra-time tonight.

“We know how difficult it [Sunday] is going to be. We’ll enjoy tonight and we’ll get a warm-down tomorrow and we’ll look forward to Sunday.”

Benitez hailed another good night at Anfield after recent tribulations, including some critical comments about him from his Spanish winger Albert Riera. He said: “It was a difficult game because they are a good team but the atmosphere was fantastic and everybody is happy now.

“We knew they had to push from the beginning and, if we did not score an early goal, they could carry on with some hope, so this goal gave us some time and some confidence too.

“You could see they were working very hard today so it was really good. They [Lille] were dangerous and have some good players with ability and pace. We needed to score the third goal just in case and it was a bit of a relief.”

LiverpoolSteven GerrardRafael BenítezUefa Europa Leagueguardian.co.uk