Lille 1-0 Liverpool: Different Competition, Same Disappointment

Liverpool again succumbed to a team many would deem their inferior after another limp display saw the Reds lose 1-0 against Lille in the Europa League.

Whilst it might have been a different country, it was the same old story. Wasteful in possession, lacking drive and commitment, and fragile from set pieces.

The match was once again a failure as a spectacle and fans must be wondering what it takes to lift a squad of players who have clearly lost the desire to play for the club.

Yes, it is only the end of the first leg, but the displays don't lie. Liverpool's performances of late have been nothing short of shocking and for the entire season, they have only been able to get up for the "big games".

Torres has lacked the cutting edge, but that is forgivable given the time he's been out.

It is the captain's form since recovering from injury that is particularly concerning: This is a Gerrard that Liverpool have never seen before.

Steven Gerrard completed a frankly awful 43 percent of his passes tonight—a statistic that would be unheard of in previous seasons.

This, however, is nothing compared to the crux of the problem; the mentality of the squad. Liverpool looked without a cause or a care as the drift toward the end of the season continued.

There are very few players that appear to be giving their all for the team week in, week out and fans are becoming restless.

It is clear that something needs to be done, but it seems that options are running thin on the ground.

Some supporters will be calling for the manager's head, but there is only so much he can do. It is down to the players once they step on to the pitch.

That said, it is Benitez's job to motivate them to play to their best. Has he lost the dressing room and, if so, is it really time for him to go?

I have long been supportive of Rafa and will continue to stick by him. But unless something turns around soon, his band of supporters will continue to dwindle.