Benítez lauds Liverpool youngsters

Rafael Benítez was particularly impressed by the performances of the young players in his Liverpool FC side as they responded well to going behind at PSV Eindhoven to run out eventual 3-1 winners, securing first place in Group D in the process. His counterpart Huub Stevens was left to bemoan the timing of the English club's equaliser as his team missed the chance to gain a UEFA Cup place, the home defeat meaning they finish bottom of the section.

Huub Stevens, PSV coach
We began the game nervously – there was a lot of doubt in our play. We improved, though, and claimed a deserved lead. However, they scored just before half-time and that shouldn't happen at this level – to concede then, just as the break is coming up, is unacceptable. In midfield, we were missing cleverness and guile tonight although all my players can leave the field with their heads held high. After the blow of the goal just before half-time, Liverpool were smarter and more mature in the second half. Despite this loss, we still have confidence of doing well in the Eredivisie.

Rafael Benítez, Liverpool manager
I've seen really positive things today and we played very well. The young players were really good but all the team worked hard. We created some good goals and the players deserve the credit today. The team, despite being young, showed great character after going behind in the first half. The team was doing well and we didn't have too many problems, but we went behind. We played well in the second half though. [Albert] Riera has a very good left foot and we have confidence he can do that. Robbie Keane worked very hard. He made a goal and was supporting the midfield both defensively and going forward. Lucas also played very well – he was very mature and will be a good player in time. We were talking about a win before the game so we could finish top of the group and that's what we did.