
By Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo
JAMIE CARRAGHER insists Liverpool's disappointment against Chelsea will eventually prove a minor setback in Rafa Benitez's masterplan to lead the club into a new era of success.
The Anfield defender, who was last night crowned Merseyside's Sports Personality of the Year, is certain Benitez will take the club into many more finals.
And he's adamant the memories of Cardiff last weekend will soon be banished once Benitez's work is complete.
"This is only the start of a long project for Rafa Benitez and I'm sure he'll be taking us to many finals in the years to come," said Carragher.
"Obviously we're all desperately disappointed with the result, but we can take a lot of positives from it.
"If we had won, it would have meant a lot to us and given the club a massive lift, but the gaffer will be here for at least four or five more years so this is just the start for him.
"We've pushed a team which is considered one of the best in Europe all the way.
"We were 11 minutes from beating them and, after watching the game back on video, you can also see we were denied a definite penalty.
"Some decisions didn't go our way on the day and it was only the smallest details which cost us the match. We'll bounce back."
Jamie with his award
