Benitez backs players following cup defeat

Benitez refused to criticise his side follwing their 2-1 defeat, preferring instead to praise their work ethic and claiming only Palace goalkeeper Julian Speroni stooped the Reds going through to the fourth round.

Benitez said: "Again the goalkeeper was the man of the match and he saved Palace. We created good chances and the players worked hard.
 
"As a manager I am disappointed to lose but I can't criticise my players as they worked hard all game and tried hard.
 
"Palace worked hard and if we had managed to score more goals it might have been different but we now have to concentrate on the next match."