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Albert Riera's Liverpool future has been plunged into doubt after manager Rafael Benitez criticised the Spanish international for labelling Liverpool as a 'sinking ship.'

Riera told Spain's Radio Marca: "When the coach says nothing to you and you are well, with no physical problems and training well, you cannot help but think it must be something personal."

Riera also went on to say he felt Liverpool were a "sinking ship" after a poor season which has seen early exits from the title race, Champions League and FA Cup.

But Benitez hit back at the 27-year-old former Espanyol player's comments after Liverpool overcame Lille at Anfield on Thursday to reach the quarter-finals of the Europa League.

The Liverpool manager said: "I think the timing was not the best for the team and we will deal with this internally."

Asked whether Riera had been suspended by the club, as has been reported, Benitez added: "We will deal with it internally.

"Are we a sinking ship? It's very clear we're not. I think sometimes you can talk too much.

"You could see tonight that the players on the pitch were working hard together. The players worked very hard and the fans are behind the team. It was a good night."

Trailing 1-0 from the first leg in France, Liverpool produced a stylish performance to breeze past Lille 3-0 on the night and 3-1 on aggregate.

Steven Gerrard marked his 300th appearance as skipper of Liverpool with the opening goal from the penalty spot before two goals by Fernando Torres kept his club's season alive.

Argentina coach Dieg Maradona, who was at the game to cast an eye over his international captain Javier Mascherano, applauded Torres when he was substituted in the dying moments.

Benitez added: "Can we win the Europa League? I think we have enough confidence.

"But in the Premier League I always say the same - one game at a time. We have to do that in the Europa League and see where it takes us."

Liverpool now head to title chasing Manchester United on Sunday looking for a fourth successive win over their bitter rivals.

Defender Daniel Agger received treatment for a kick on a calf. But the Danish centre-back should be fit to take his place in the team at Old Trafford.

Benitez added: "The team is doing well and, if we play like we did tonight, we can beat anybody.

"Torres did well and is very close now to full fitness."

Lille coach Rudi Garcia was disappointed his side failed to defend their first leg lead.

"We conceded very early in the game. That was clearly not part of the game plan," he said.

AFP