Rafa: First-half mistakes cost us

Rafael Benitez admitted his side paid for their first-half mistakes after Stevan Jovetic's double condemned them to a 2-0 Champions League defeat in Florence.

The Reds dominated the second period against the Italians but were punished for a lacklustre opening 45 at the Stadio Artemio Franchi, leaving the boss frustrated by his side's start to the proceedings.
 
"It's true, we didn't play well," Benitez told his post-match press conference. "We had too many problems and made too many mistakes.
 
"We had to change everything in the second-half and then it was different, it was much better.
 
"In the first-half they were on top of us. We knew it would be difficult, they were doing well but we were doing everything badly.
 
"Fiorentina have done a very good job. They were pressing around the pitch and we were too nervous, making mistakes. If you make mistakes you pay for them."
 
Despite missing leading scorer Alberto Gilardino through suspension, Fiorentina looked impressive in the attacking third.
 
Asked if he was surprised by the ability of two-goal hero Jovetic, Benitez said: "No, we knew about him.
 
"We knew he was good. We watched some games and at this level you know the player. Jovetic was playing in the middle and doing well."
 
Having endured a disappointing first period, Liverpool stepped up a gear after the interval and were unlucky not reduce the arrears.
 
Benitez admits he was pleased with his side's second-half efforts and is confident they will bounce back.
 
"We were talking about our mistakes and how to improve," he said. "We tried to find solutions and wanted to channel things in a better way."
 
Asked if he thought his side could recover in time for Sunday's showdown at Chelsea, Benitez added: "I think so. I think it will be totally different.
 
"Hopefully you will see the Liverpool you saw in the second half and we will be better."