Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has called for an overhaul of the club's playing staff following their exit from the Europa League.

More Stories

• Video: Managerial reaction
• Forlan away goal breaks Liverpool hearts
• Hodgson rewards faithful Fulham fans

Liverpool crashed out of the competition at the hands of Atletico Madrid who progressed to the final in Hamburg despite losing 2-1 at Anfield.

Diego Forlan's away goal for the Spanish side proved decisive, leaving Liverpool to contemplate a trophy-less season.

Benitez, whose own future at the club remains uncertain, conceded his squad needs new recruits if they are to once again challenge for silverware.

He said: "Someone said we needed four or five players. I would more or less agree with that. That is what we have to do.

"Liverpool is a massive club. There has been a change in the last two or three years. We have had to balance the books and manage in this way.

"I do not know whether I will have any funds. We will find out in the summer. But the name is there and we have to do our best for it."

He added: "Everything seems to have been against the players this season.

"It is clear that we had some problems. We had too many injuries and were lacking forward options. But the players worked so hard tonight and I am very proud of them.

"Now we have to concentrate and do our best in the next two games."