Rodgers maintains season objectives
A frustrating elimination from the Capital One Cup this week will not derail Liverpool's ambitions for the season, as Brendan Rodgers continues to target a top four finish and a trophy.
The Reds were arguably the better performers across the two legs of their semi-final against Barclays Premier League rivals Chelsea, creating a wealth of opportunities to convert.
That they only managed one, however - Raheem Sterling's solo strike at Anfield - proved costly, with Branislav Ivanovic's extra-time header deciding the tie at Stamford Bridge.
Wembley dreams in that competition were therefore ended, though Rodgers' charges still have trophy avenues open via the FA Cup and Europa League in the remainder of the season.
With his players preparing for a return to league action by hosting West Ham United tomorrow, the boss insisted that Tuesday's disappointment will not deter Liverpool.
"Our objectives are still very clear - to finish in the top four and to win a trophy," the Northern Irishman explained to the Liverpool Echo.
"We won't hide away from that. That's what we want to achieve between now and May. We're playing well now and with players returning from injury that gives us extra quality.
"It won't derail anything. I've got nothing but admiration for the players in terms of their approach to the two games. I think we came out of it with great credit.
"We went into the semi-finals of a cup and didn't show any nerves or signs of pressure. We played with wonderful expression in our game, while being defensively very strong.
"Of course we're disappointed because we saw it as an opportunity to get to Wembley with how well we've been playing.
"But what comes out of the two games is a really positive feeling. In terms of performances over the two legs, we were the better team.
"It was clear to see that we weren't efficient in the final third of the field and that was what ultimately cost us over the tie. We could have put it to bed with the chances we had in the first game.
"We were unfortunate not to have gone through. Certainly it won't leave any overriding disappointment. I expect us to kick on.
"It just gives us extra motivation to keep performing to this level and hopefully finish the season successfully."