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• Liverpool manager critical after abject Premier League defeat
• ‘We have to be honest when we’ve been bad’

The Liverpool manager, Kenny Dalglish, has defended his very public criticism of the players after insisting there can be no hiding place from failure. The Scot diverted from his usual stout defence of the squad to lambast their attitude and lack of application in Saturday’s abject 3-1 defeat at struggling Bolton.

“I think what was said had to be said,” Dalglish explained. “It’s a difficult thing to do but I think it was an honest thing to do as well. At the end of the day I don’t think anyone can object to the fact that we never played anything like we’re capable of playing. I don’t think anybody can hide behind a performance like we had on Saturday and I don’t think anyone would try to do that.

“In the past we’ve rightly praised them when they’ve deserved it, we’ve given them plaudits when we’ve done well and we’ve congratulated them for the way they’ve gone about their work. We have to be honest in our appraisal when we’ve been bad as well.

“When you’ve been critical it doesn’t mean to say you’re getting any pleasure from it because at the end of the day we’re all in it together. It’s not the coaching staff and the players, it’s everybody.”

The Premier League leaders, Manchester City, visit Anfield tomorrow as they attempt to overturn a 1-0 deficit from the first leg of their Carling Cup semi-final.

“Let’s not be running away with ourselves, let’s make sure we get the hard work done first,” Dalglish told liverpoolfc.tv. “We have a slight advantage, we just need to go into the game and compete.

“It’s not going to be a game that’s going to be anything other than really difficult for us. They got a fantastic result on Sunday against Tottenham [winning 3-2) which keeps them at the top of the league, so I’m sure they’ll be well up for it.

“For us it’s important to do our own job, and if we do that then a bit of luck as well wouldn’t go amiss. Hopefully it will be a fantastic occasion for everyone.”

LiverpoolKenny Dalglish
guardian.co.uk

• Alberto Aquilani scored first Liverpool goal against Portsmouth
• Reds trailing Lille 1-0 from Europa League last-16 first leg

Alberto Aquilani is doubtful for Liverpool’s Europa League match with Lille tomorrow, Rafael Benítez has confirmed.

The Italy midfielder – who scored his first goal for Liverpool in a man-of-the-match display against Portsmouth on Monday – missed training at Melwood on Wednesday.

“He has a virus and is struggling with his fitness,” Benítez said. “We have to take care of him and decide tomorrow. It will be a late decision.”

Liverpool trail 1-0 from the first leg of the last-16 tie.

LiverpoolUefa Europa Leagueguardian.co.uk