Rafa Benitez remains confident that Liverpool can the knockout stages of the Champions League after defeat to Besiktas left them bottom of Group A.
The Reds have picked up just one point from their opening three games and almost certainly need to win their three remaining games to qualify.
“If we play like we did against Besiktas, we can win the final matches,” said Liverpool boss Benitez.
“The players worked hard and you cannot blame them. The fans will be positive we can do it after seeing the game.”
“If we create chances like we did tonight, I am sure we will take them and can win our last three games.
“I am pleased with the performance but we just could not take our chances. When you have 28 attempts on goal as the away side and nearly 60% of possession, that should be enough to win the match.
“We have to wait to see how the numbers add up,” he said.
“The fact that Porto drew with Marseille tonight was a help for us; it certainly improves our options. 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.
“We were punished for one mistake in the first half having had so many chances. Their goalkeeper was outstanding but we should have taken more of our chances. Obviously it is very difficult now for us to get through but I believe we still can.”
Liverpool went behind after their defender Sami Hyypia deflected in a shot from Serdar Ozkan to record his second own-goal in the space of five days following a similar effort against Everton last Saturday. Brazilian Bobo increased the lead after the break when he slotted in from inside the area.
Captain Steven Gerrard reduced the arrears with a flying header but his side failed to salvage anything from their trip.
Gerrard echoed the sentiments of his manager stating that the Reds could still qualify from the group although he added they have a “mountain to climb”.
“We are pleased with how we played but disappointed with the result. We need to keep going and win the final three games and see what happens,” he said.
“We need to take the positives and learn from our mistakes. We are capable of winning our final three games.”
“It is the worst possible result. We had a mountain to climb but we have got an even bigger one to climb now.
“Mistakes happen as a result of misunderstandings but they put us under pressure.”
