28.02.2005 - Benitez proud despite loss

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Rafa Benitez insisted that he is proud of his side following yesterday's cup final defeat in Cardiff.

Liverpool led for the majority of the game before Steven Gerrard's cruel own goal helped Chelsea on their way to a Carling Cup victory, but Benitez had no complaints about the efforts of his players.

Benitez said: "We had clear chances to win the game, and we could have done more with them but it was just so unlucky."

"We did a lot right today and I told the players they could be proud. If you have run, worked and tried, you can't do any more."

Benitez missed out on equalling Joe Fagan's feat of winning a trophy just eight months after taking charge.